Friends, Family Celebrating Christmas Early With Teen Before She Gets Dangerous Brain Tumor Surgery
CANYON COUNTRY (CBSLA.com) — Family and friends celebrated Christmas with Cheyenne Hughes early this year because the 15-year-old is scheduled to undergo major surgery next week - surgery so dangerous, it could paralyze her or worse.
"She's been really worried about whether she'll be able to be home for Christmas or whether she'll be able to move," said her father, Paul Hughes.
Doctors will try to remove a fast-growing tumor near her spine and skull.
"The options are - we could let her go slowly, but painfully or we attempt this. As the doctor said, it's a Hail Mary last attempt at it," Paul said.
"It's really hard. It's hard to deal with. It's hard to know that your kid's going through something like this," said stepmother Amy Hughes.
The teen's parents have been honest with her, but they have also stayed positive as they have seen her pull through many times before.
Doctors said a hereditary disease caused Cheyenne's tumors.
The girl has survived multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation over the last eight years.
She always did better than doctors expected. But "I'm still scared," she said.
"We're just trying to make it the best couple weeks as we can," her stepmother said.
And they are not stopping there. This family is counting down the days until Christmas comes for real because they are counting on a miracle.
"She's 15, but she's my baby. I love that kid," her father said.
A Gofundme account has been set up to help pay Cheyenne's medical expenses, click here if you would like to help.
