September 2024- LJ Rineair
LJ, a true Wildcat at heart, faced an unexpected turn at just 15 years old. What seemed like a simple concern about winning the next football game led to a shocking discovery – a brain tumor that had silently grown for years.
LJ went to the hospital due to a persistent headache, suspecting it might be a concussion. Little did he know that he would leave that night with a tumor nearly 1/4th the size of his brain. On September 8th, he underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The surgery lasted 14 hours and even though they were successfully able to remove 95% of the tumor LJ wasn’t waking up.
For an entire week LJ was in a coma, doctors were baffled as to why LJ wasn’t waking up. He began breathing on his own and was able to be taken off the ventilator, however he still wasn’t waking up. Numerous tests were run and everything kept coming back negative. After days of worrying and prayers from the entire community LJ woke up. They knew after removing such a large tumor there would be deficits but no one expected when we woke up that he wouldn’t be able to speak. Doctors diagnosed his with Posterior Fossa Syndrome. He also had right sided weakness and unable to eat on his own. They placed a feeding tube and began intensive physical therapy.
Within days LJ was already showing improvements. He began using a tablet to communicate and the first thing he wrote was “I seen God.” These words are nothing short of extraordinary and remind us how amazing our God is.
Biopsy came back that in fact the tumor was cancerous. However with removing 95% of it, LJ took an oral chemo to help shrink the remainder of the tumor. Over the next few months he worked with PT/OT and has improved drastically. He is now able to speak and walk on his own. His latest scans came back clear. He will meet with oncology every 3 months for the next year to keep an eye on everything but the doctors are optimistic the worst is behind him!
The Blanchester community really stepped up to help one of their wildcats and held multiple fundraisers and dedicated the football games to LJ. It was an amazing sight to see. Do Good Mission was able to raise a little over $5,000 for the family.
Today, LJ stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, reminding us all that even in the face of adversity, love, community, and unwavering determination can conquer anything. As LJ continues to thrive, his journey remains a powerful reminder of the strength that lies within us all. 💙🌟 #LJStrong
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