Shannon's story

At age 10, Shannon was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma. She never showed any symptoms, but she was always short for her age.

During a routine dentist appointment, her dentist recommended that her parents talk to their pediatrician because Shannon was not losing baby teeth. After a series of appointments and tests, an MRI revealed a brain tumor.

Shannon’s parents sought opinions from three different neurosurgeons. Two gave them the worst-case scenario and told them that she would come out of surgery unable to do basic activities. Dr. John Ruge, however, was straightforward from the beginning and offered hope.

When a biopsy showed the tumor was benign, Dr. Ruge decided against doing surgery to remove the tumor because it could be detrimental to her future. Shannon did 6 weeks of tomotherapy radiation to shrink the tumor.

Now an adult, Shannon loves volunteering at Advocate Children’s Hospital. She hopes to become a phlebotomist so she can comfort those who need needle sticks all the time.