Three months ago, 11-year-old Grayce LaRocca was the “queen of diamonds” as she hit and scored runs for the softball all-star team in Moss Bluff.
On Saturday, she was the “queen of hearts” as dozens of friends and family welcomed her home for the first time in over two months.
Grayce has been at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston since being diagnosed with brain cancer on June 15. Doctors there confirmed that she had a 2-inch tumor on her brain stem and a smaller tumor at the base of her skull.
On June 21, doctors removed a large portion of the tumor, but due to its attachment to the brain stem, some had to be left. The tumor was then identified as a medulloblastoma.
“Our world is complete,” said Tammy Romero, Grayce’s mother. “Even though she has to go back, I feel like all is right with the world.”
Grayce and her family have to return to Houston on Monday. She receives radiation treatments five days a week at MD Anderson, along with speech and physical therapy sessions three times a week at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Grayce’s older brother, 12-year-old Caeden, will likely make the trip back to give his sister the therapy she enjoys the most, their mother said.
Shortly after the surgery, Grayce had an episode that was diagnosed as posterior fossa syndrome, setting back her recovery a bit. The condition affects speech, motor skills, emotions, balance and many other brain functions. If left her speechless and unable to stand, walk, use her right arm or sit up.
“Her brother is her therapy and motivation through the entire thing,” Romero said. “Even the doctors are glad when he is with her. He is her motivation.”
Grayce will continue her first 30 radiation treatments, which started on July 27. After a six-week recovery period, she will begin seven months of chemotherapy.
“Grayce has continued to be strong and positive during this terrible ordeal,” said grandfather Richard Cossey. “She is aware of all the support she has been getting and has asked me to tell everyone, ‘Thank you.’ ”
Since insurance only covers part of the medical bills, First Federal Bank has set up a fund at all of its branches — it’s called Benefit Fund of Grayce LaRocca — for those who want to help the family with treatment costs.
“I can’t fully say how much we appreciate all the support and love from the community,” said Tammy Romero. “People we don’t even know have stepped forward with their prayers, love and support.”
A benefit for Grayce will be held Oct. 8 at Burton Coliseum. It will feature jambalaya dinners, live and silent auctions, and Grayce’s own lemonade stand.
For more information, contact Jeremy Wood at 337-515-6069 or jeremywood@ssconstruct.net.
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