Struggling with migraines all her life, Brooke and her family were told she would outgrow them, but the pain continued to get worse. Brooke’s local pediatrician referred her to Paul Carney, MD, University of Florida College of Medicine professor and chief of pediatric neurology. Using results from diagnostic tests, Carney identified a small cancerous tumor on his young patient’s brain called optic glioma. He referred Brooke to David Pincus, MD, University of Florida College of Medicine assistant professor who confirmed the diagnosis of Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. It was then recommended that she see Amy Smith, MD, University of Florida College of Medicine assistant professor and director of the pediatric neuro-oncology program who immediately initiated chemotherapy. Brooke received treatment almost weekly for 18 months. The chemotherapy helped reduce the size of her tumor dramatically, making it invisible on an MRI. Brooke has completed treatment and is doing great. She loves playing games on the computer, drawing and driving her sister crazy!
