Leah Fernandes
Recovery Fund
Leah Rose Fernandes passed away at home surrounded by her family on July 26, 2011.
PLEASE VISIT FACEBOOK FOR THE LATEST INFO.
You may know the Fernandes family from the Chartley Country stores in Rehoboth and Norton. Five-year-old Leah Fernandes “Leah Bear” is the daughter of Peter and Rhiannon Fernandes.
Only last month, Lean began complaining of headaches. A visit to her pediatrician revealed she had difficulty performing a coordination/motor skill test. Her doctor recommended an immediate MRI that showed Leah had a tumor in the back of her brain. The tumor was removed on March 21 and Leah was diagnosed with medulloblastoma - the tumor was malignant and the cancer had spread to the fluid in her brain and spinal column.
Leah spent more time than expected recuperating from surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital. Finally she was able to return home for some much needed family time, only to return to the hospital a few days later because of vomiting and headaches.
On April 8th, Leah underwent another surgery to place a cerebral shunt to help drain excess fluid to relieve pressure in her brain. Unfortunately after an in-depth MRI, it revealed the tumor had grown back, spread and multiplied. The tumor was creating pressure on her brain stem,the hub of the brain that also regulates breathing. This impaired Leah’s ability to breathe on her own. She was in the ICU hooked up to a respirator for about a week.
Because surgery is not an option at this point, doctors are administering high doses of chemo in hope the cancers cells will immediately start shrinking. Leah began radiation therapy on April 15th despite mild to severe neurological risks. Doctors feel that the benefits outweigh the risks. Many doctors have said that they have never seen a tumor this aggressive. Leah is a fighter and we all hope that she will kick this cancer’s butt!!
A fundraising website has been established to help the family and try to ease some of their troubles. Any contribution amount will help and be highly appreciated.
If you have any questions please feel free to email: PrimeOne.ATX@gmail.com
Checks/money orders can be sent to:
Leah Fernandes Donations
C/O North Easton Savings Bank
P.O. Box 495
25 W. Main Street
Norton, MA 02766
is a publication of Image Communications, Copyright 2011
