For those of you who know what Charlsie has been going through, this is an update.  For the rest of you, this might be a bit of a shock.

 

Charlsie Donnelly is my HERO!  At the age of 11 she had surgery to remove a plum sized cancerous brain tumor.  The doctor was able to remove about 2/3 of it, but was concerned about being too invasive by removing all of it.  Despite the doctor’s caution, the surgery rendered her unable to walk, talk, or feed herself.  It took her 2 months of intensive rehabilitation (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc.) before she could talk and walk on her own.  She went through an additional year of out-patient PT in order to regain full function.  Over the next couple years, the remainder of her tumor disappeared and was undetectable on MRI. 

 

Last year I had the honor of taking her to many races and supporting her as she proudly raced for Mission in Motion and TVC.  She also enjoyed training regularly with the FLCC.  Her effort and focus helped her become the NYS Junior Women’s Road Race Champion, NYS Junior Women’s Criterium Champion, and NYS Junior Women’s TT Champion.  I had the honor of taking her to all of the state championship races!  Thanks to the support and donations of the Tioga Velo Club, Mission in Motion Cycling Team and many TVC cyclist who just wanted to contribute to Charlsie’s racing, she also participated in the USCF Junior National Championship races.  She placed in the top 10 in her TT and RR at nationals.  Although I took her to nationals and Mission in Motion paid her entry fees, her lodging and meals for the week were completely covered by donations made by TVC members…THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!!!  What most of you didn’t know at the time (because Charlsie didn’t want anyone to know), was that another tumor had been discovered on one of her routine MRIs.  It was discovered prior to nationals and her only comment to the doctors was, “I plan on racing at nationals no matter what!”  She truly has the heart of a lion and the face of a lamb.  Since that time, she has consulted with some doctors, tried some alternative therapies, and labored over what the best course of action is.

 

Fast forward to today:  Charlsie had surgery yesterday with a pediatric neurosurgeon from Sloan Kettering in NYC.  She went into surgery at 8AM and was out at about 2PM.  When her mom called me, she hadn’t seen Charlsie yet, but the doctor was VERY happy about how the surgery went.  He was able to remove the tumor in one clean mass.  Today I got a call from her mom, only to hear her say that someone there wanted to talk to me!  Yup, Charlsie is awake, coherent, and chatty!  She said she wanted to get up and walk around, but they wouldn’t let her.  She also said that she feels pretty good, but her head throbs a little.  She told me I could bring her trainer to her tomorrow when I go to visit, but I think just sitting up in the chair will be a good start to her spring training.  The pathology report is not back yet on the tumor.  She’ll be in the hospital for at least 5 days, but I have her permission to keep you all posted. 

 

Some of you helped contribute to buying her a TV/DVD combo that she could use during her recovery and I want to thank you for that!  She was soooo excited to get it.  She is reluctant to tell people about having cancer because she does not want to be a “victim” or be seen as a victim by others.  She is truly grateful for every ride she takes, every step she runs, and every day she is alive.  She is wise beyond her years!  I have about $100 more than I needed for the TV/DVD, so I will start a fund to be used for her 2007 quest toward nationals.  She’s hoping for a podium spot (at least in the TT) according to our last conversation!

 

If you’d like to drop her a note or send a card:

Charlsie Donnelly

169 Brink Road

Van Etten, NY  14889

 

NY Presbyterian Hospital  (not sure how long she’ll be there)

Weill-Cornell Medical Center

525 East 68^th Street

10021

 

I’ll keep you updated on her progress!

Shelley