2nd Surgery, Age 4

3rd Surgery, Age 8

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Through Alika's Eyes, Inc

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Alika's Story

1st Surgery, Age 2

ALIKA'S STORY (told by her parents)

Alika had just turned 2 yrs old. We (Alika's mom and dad) had a mini getaway trip planned for just the 2 of us. Alika was going to spend a fun weekend with her Grandparents. All packed, paid for and ready for the airport, with a couple hours before leaving we both said to each other, should we just cancel and not go. Something made us stay home. Every night Alika had slept in her own bed, in her own room. That same night on October 4th 2010 Alika wanted to sleep in our bed, (this may have been only the 2nd or 3rd time ever). With no warning signs prior, in the middle of the night Alika had a seizure. Had she not been in our bed (or if we had gone on our trip) we might not have know about the seizure. She was rushed to hospital and further tests deemed it necessary to airlift her to Cedars-Sinai Hospital Los Angeles.

Following the MRI's at Cedars it was discovered that Alika had a Brain Tumor larger than a golf ball. The tumor was pressing on the motor cortex in the brain and required emergency surgery the next day. Alika was placed in the care of Dr. Moise Danielpour, one of the Nations top Neurosurgeons. His hands are truly gifted and touched by GOD.

On October 6th 2010 Alika had Brain surgery, a blood transfusion and a titanium plate placed in her head.

After the surgery Alika had severe weakness on her right side (effects of the location of the tumor). This caused her to need an orthotic (leg brace) on her right leg, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. She was to follow up with MRI's (with full anesthesia) every 3 months.

Just after Alika's 4th birthday, her MRI showed that the tumor had returned and surgery was required again.

On October 1st 2012 Alika had brain surgery for the second time. Alika recovered beautifully and began her physical therapy again. She continued with routine MRI's as before. 

It was discovered June 7th 2016 at age 8, that the tumor had once again returned. Alika's most recent tumor was located in the middle of the motor fibers, this would make surgery very high risk. The potential of causing permanent damage to her right side (leg/walking, face etc..) was very high. They would continue to monitor the tumor for growth. After the tumor continued to grow, the Doctors decided a 3rd Brain Surgery was needed.

On July 19th 2017 Alika had Brain Surgery for the 3rd time. The surgery was a hard recovery. At first Alika could not move her right side at all. Alika was transferred to Children's Hospital Los Angeles for intensive physical therapy. Alika gradually got movement back but had to learn to walk again. As Alika got stronger she began walking with a walker for support. She was released from Children's Hospital on August 29th 2017, in time to spend her 9th Birthday at home Sept 4th.

A few weeks later Alika had her first routine MRI after surgery and the Cancer had already returned. This time the tumor was too deep into the Cortex that it was considered inoperable and would likely paralyze her.

On October 19th 2017 Alika began Radiation, therapy just 3 months after her last surgery. Alika went to the hospital every day for 6 weeks for her Radiation Treatments.

On January 8th 2018 Alika began Chemo Therapy with one of the top Pediatric Oncologists Dr. Fae Majlessipour. She went to hospital every 2 weeks for a year. Her all day infusions continued until January 2019.

On July 1st 2019 Alika will have her next follow up MRI. Her last MRI in April was unclear and hazy due to the effects of the Radiation and Chemotherapy, so a definitive answer.

Alika is brave and has had no fears of her surgeries, procedures and treatments. I wish I had a fraction of the courage that she does. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for her.