If you've been following 8-year-old Gavin Pierson's story, you know he and his family have been through a lot. In 2012, Gavin was diagnosed with a mature teratoma brain tumor.
Since then, he has undergone numerous craniotomies and he and his family have dealt with big drug companies to fight his brain tumor, which Gavin refers to as "Joe Bully." Unfortunately, Joe Bully is a particularly tough tumor, located in an area that is difficult to operate on and comprised of hard, "concrete-like" tissue. While Gavin's prior treatments made progress, Joe Bully kept growing back.
But it appears that Gavin's neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph Petronio, may have found Joe Bully's weak spot. Over the past eight months, Gavin has undergone two Visualase laser surgeries, an MRI-guided procedure designed to incinerate the tumor. He's the first patient with a mature teratoma to ever use Visualase – and it may have stopped Joe Bully in its tracks.
We're happy to announce that a recent MRI scan showed Gavin's formerly peach-sized tumor has shrunk more than 40 percent. Even better? There are no signs of regrowth.
Gavin's courage and strength inspire us every day. Thank you, Gavin, and congratulations.
