A Young Child's Eye Problem Reveals a Serious Brain Tumor

Imani Dell was a vivacious six-year-old who adored bedtime stories and outings to Chuck E. Cheese. Her vibrant energy was evident whether at school or home. Approaching the end of her first-grade year in May 2024, she eagerly anticipated playing at the neighborhood park during summer in north Miami.

One evening, Imani's aunt observed her eyes were misaligned. Her mother, Johnesha Brown, initially attributed it to excessive tablet use. Efforts to visit their pediatrician were thwarted by expired insurance. At home, Imani then mentioned seeing double.

"I became extremely anxious and frightened; something clearly wasn't right," Brown shared. She promptly reapplied for insurance and contacted the company, which indicated a 30-day processing period. Concerned for her child's wellbeing, Brown was advised to take Imani to the hospital without delay.

Expecting only an eye examination, Brown took Imani to the emergency department at the University of Miami Health System. A nurse, however, suggested a CT scan to rule out any critical issues. The results were grim: a significant tumor the size of a golf ball was present in the girl's brain.

"The doctor entered solemnly and informed me, 'There's a sizable mass inside her head.' My world just collapsed at that moment," Brown recalled.

"My Prayers Were Unending"

Imani was expedited to Holtz Children's Hospital for immediate brain surgery. Dr. Heather McCrea, the head of pediatric neurosurgery there, aimed to alleviate the fluid in Imani's brain, excise the tumor, and analyze it to tailor further treatment.

The surgery was a success on all counts, McCrea reported. It was confirmed that the tumor was a rapidly advancing medulloblastoma.

Dr. David Harter, from NYU Langone Health’s pediatric neurosurgery division, described medulloblastomas as common childhood tumors, each subtype marked by distinct genetic traits and disease profiles.

Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or crossed eyes are typical of medulloblastomas. The tumor often causes fluid retention in the brain, causing symptoms like those seen in Imani. Prognosis heavily depends on the tumor's specific subgroup, Harter explained.

After surgical removal, the tumor underwent molecular classification. Dr. Bradley Gampel, Imani's treating oncologist, identified it as a "Group 4 medulloblastoma with intermediate risk," necessitating both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Proper identification of the tumor subtype is crucial, concurred Gampel and Harter, ensuring treatment aligns with the patient’s needs. For children, considering future health is vital, stressed Harter.

"Winning against the tumor isn't the only measure of success," Harter stated. "Future impacts of treatment must also be weighed."

Imani faced 30 cycles of radiation, an ordeal that left her groggy from sedation, with a burn on her scalp, and struggling to maintain her usual energy and appetite.

"Prayer was my constant companion," Brown expressed. "Concerns about her treatment duration, her reaction to hair loss, and comprehension of her ordeal plagued me."

Post-radiation, Imani had a month's respite, followed by a year-long regimen of nine chemotherapy cycles. Though arduous, this phase was more bearable, despite hair loss.

Home education became the norm, with daily sessions on subjects like math, although Imani disliked it. Her energy levels gradually improved, much to her mother’s relief.

"Life is Extraordinary Now"

In August 2025, Imani's treatment concluded, marked by a celebratory trip to Epic Universe theme park.

By mid-September, Imani rejoined her peers in second grade. Her initial apprehension quickly dissipated as she enjoyed being around friends more than home learning.

Regular health scans will be critical to ensuring the cancer remains at bay, said McCrea, with monitoring frequency decreasing as long as results stay optimistic.

"Life since treatment has been nothing short of incredible," stated Brown, noting that Imani’s renewed insurance covered all costs and her participation in research studies. Most importantly, her daughter is reverting to her former, joyous self.

"Seeing her return to normalcy fills me with joy," Brown shared. "Everything now feels just right."