“It’s Like a Miracle” – Community Movement Raises $28000 for 14-Year-Old Edison High Cheerleader Battling Brain Tumor

Leyla is a 14-year-old jovial cheerleader from the Edison High School. In the most somber occurrence, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor recently. Otherwise a helpful girl, the little one is now being heavily supported by not only her family but also her friends. 

While the doctors advised Leyla to undergo surgery, the family was unable to fathom the entire situation at first. However, gradually, the reality sunk in and the family did admit their little daughter to the hospital. So what happened next? How is Leyla doing now? 

Leyla Dixon’s unfortunate cheerleading fate

When little Leyla was having continuous severe headaches for almost a year, her parents, Dana LaPenta & Dominique Zindt became concerned. In addition to the worsening headache, the overall health of the girl also began to deteriorate. Thus, when they consulted a neurologist, they thought they found an answer. Unfortunately, they did not. It was only a month prior when Leyla bled from her nose, she was taken to the JFK University Medical Center in Edison. This is where the ugly truth was found. 

When an MRI was conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Leyla was diagnosed with ependymoma. This is a particularly dangerous form of tumor that originates from the central nervous system. Nonetheless, like every cloud has a silver lining, so was the case for Leyla. On January 24, Leyla underwent surgery and fortunately, it was successful. After a tireless six hours of effort, Dr. Peter Madsen triumphantly was able to get rid of the entire tumor. 

However, the threat was not fully over, as tests depicted that the tumor had cancerous property. It will now be observed whether the cancer has made its way to the spine or not. Her family is now waiting for the results of another MRI along with a lumbar puncture. 

Until then, prayers and good wishes have flooded Leyla, with her dealing with the situation in a brave manner. 

Family and friends have brave Leyla’s back

As soon as the news of Leyla being diagnosed with a brain tumor was made public, her cheerleading friends jumped in with their support. Together with Leyla’s parents, they initiated the ‘Pray4Ley’ movement. Further trying to uplift Leyla’s mood, family members got busy redecorating the 14-year-old’s room with fresh peps. This would certainly make her feel better when she comes home from the strenuous hospital environment. 

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Speaking of feeling better, Leyla has displayed exceptional mental toughness. The very next morning of her surgery, the little girl was all jolly and was sending text messages to all her near and dear ones. Thus, with everyone praying for Leyla, let’s hope for all the best for her, and may she win the battle to achieve significant success in her life. 

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