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Zoe FitzGerald

Make a donation in Zoe's honor.

Hi, my name is Zoe FitzGerald. I was diagnosed with an optic glioma when I was three years old. Until recently, I was very private about the fact I have a brain tumor; but now I feel the responsibility to do what I can to raise money for brain cancer research so other children can benefit from advances in treatment like I have. There were a lot of challenges with my first chemotherapy protocol. I felt nauseous all the time, had a lot of joint pain, lost my energy, and experienced severe bone marrow suppression so I couldn't go out in public much and had to quit preschool and dance. I also ended up getting a blood clot so I had to get shots twice a day for about a year and a half. That's not fun for a three year old… but you end up just getting used to it.

Then, I was able to have a break from chemotherapy for about three years until my tumor started to grow again. I was on another medication for about a year and a half until it started to damage my kidneys, so I needed to stop that medication. My tumor started to grow shortly after stopping that medication, and I was fortunate to quickly be accepted for a two-year clinical trial because the other treatment options were no longer available to me. The clinical trial drug was effective in shrinking my brain tumor by 25% while causing only minimal side effects, making it possible for me to stay in school and my activities.
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So, advances in treatment are being made, but only through continued research. And research is only possible with funding.

Age at Diagnosis:
3 years old

Age Now :
15 years old

Type of Brain Cancer:
Optic Glioma

Summary of Treatment:
-3 Different Chemotherapy Protocols

"Although her brain tumor has caused her to go blind in one eye, Zoe's challenges have given her a different perspective on life and have allowed her to more clearly see the needs of others."
- April Fitzgerald

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