Jenny's Story

Jenny
Age 15
University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital
Brain Tumor

While high school can bring some headaches, 14-year-old Jenny’s pains were definitely out of the ordinary. After a year of, originally diagnosed, “migraines,” Jenny was rushed to the hospital due to excruciating head pain.

Doctors discovered a brain tumor known as cerebellar astrocytoma, and began surgery 11 hours later. While on the operating table, a blood clot developed in Jenny’s brain and doctors had to perform an emergency craniotomy to save her life.

Jenny finished her freshman year homebound, but headstrong. Nicknamed “Rock Star” by one of the nurses, she remained determined and positive during months of relearning how to speak and walk.

In the fall, Jenny returned to school and attended homecoming. In addition to the beautiful, red hair and an infectious smile that makes Jenny stand out, she is special because of the lessons she learned from her tumor. Jenny is grateful to be alive and wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world.