My daughter, Mazie Faith was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in October 2023. 

Medulloblastoma is a diagnosis many have never heard of prior to Michael Strahans daughter’s diagnosis a few weeks after Mazie was diagnosed. 

Mazie was 10 years old, just starting 5th grade at a new school. Her world turned upside down in all the ways. But she pushed through and continues to do so. Mazie had been sick with dizziness and morning vomiting off and on all summer. Diagnosed incorrectly with vestibular neuritis she was pushing through physical therapy. She could go 2 weeks without an episode, just wanting to sleep elevated on pillows. The ENT advised me she would improve, it would just take time. I had our home inspected for mold, had our water tested. I knew something was off but never imagined it was a large brain tumor dangerously pressing against her brain stem and so large that she developed hydrocephalus and some damage to her spinal cord. I have incredible guilt for not trusting my intuition and pressing harder and getting multiple opinions. Other opinions were scheduled, just months out. Our medical system is so backed up. 

Diagnosis day was so scary. Mazie’s pediatrician who we never actually saw during the process of trying to find answers came in her exam room that morning and gave us the devastating news. The news no parent ever wants to hear. It was crucial she have lifesaving brain surgery immediately. 

Dr. Monroe at Blue Ridge Pediatrics prayed with my little family and advised we get her transferred quickly. The staff that watched mazie grow up, loved us as we left in tears. 

They are incredible there, smalls towns have something extra special. 

The closest children’s hospital is Brenners Children’s in Winston Salem. 2 hours from home. I insisted that Mazie be sent to Duke when we arrived at the emergency department in Boone but that doc recommended we go to Brenners and I trusted her. Turns out it was the best decision. 

Dr. Couture, neurosurgeon performed Mazies craniotomy in Winston Salem  and was able to give us the news of a successful full tumor removal. We would have to wait for pathology results and then start radiation and chemotherapy. 

NC doesn’t have proton radiation available just yet so we left for St Jude in Memphis for 10 weeks. Mazie received 30 proton radiation treatments, most of which were sedated. We spent Halloween, Mazies 11th birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all at St Jude. Just Mazie, mom & dad. She also lost her hair from radiation, something I didn’t realize happened with brain and spine radiation. It was sad, we all cried but she’s the most beautiful bald gal I’ll ever seen. Hair is just hair, to mom & dad but to Mazie it’s much more. Something even buying a wig doesn’t fix. She handled it with such grace though. 

After careful consideration we choose to have Mazies chemotherapy done back at Brenners Childrens Hospital in Winston Salem. The care she receives there is top notch compared to any medical setting. Dr Sarah Supples is Mazies oncologist. We met her before leaving for St Jude and honestly came back because of her. All the nurses and docs at Brenners are true angels, I can’t begin to explain the difference they make in Mazies healing. They all go above and beyond for Mazie.  I can’t explain the peace we all feel while Mazie is having treatment with them. Being 2 hours from home has been incredibly hard on Mazie being away from her dogs Shadow and Lucy. They are her whole world. 

Mazie misses school more than most kids would. I often wonder if Mazie would have had a correct diagnosis in June 2023 when symptoms first started how different this would have played out. BUT, one of Mazies teachers is a childhood cancer survivor and has been such a kind, thoughtful encouragement to Mazie. I’m fortunate Mazie has her as a role model. If she would have been diagnosed in the summer, that teacher wouldn’t have been part of Mazies team. Silver lining.

Mazies classmates, friends and our community have rallied around her and shown all of us so much love and encouragement. Mazie knows Jesus is with her through every step and good will come from this. We hold on to all of Gods promises and that is sufficient. 

We have felt the prayers. God is in this. 

Mazie had been looking forward to a sweetheart dance at her new school. However she started inpatient chemo the same day February 15. So at home on Valentines Day we had our own sweetheart dance the night before leaving for the hospital for her 1st round of chemo. We are making all the memories we possibly can and giving her every opportunity for joy. Mazie also came with us to vote this week and has had a few visits with her class outside at recess. We are living life in between all her devastating side effects of this terrible disease and treatments. That life is slower but we are together. We heard the birds chirping the first time this year and it reminded us how incredibly thankful for small things we are. Never take simple joy for granted. 

 Medulloblastoma is scary, especially for a 11 year old. But she still smiles, tries her hardest to keep moving forward and has a heart of gold for others. She is our hero and we are so fortunate to be her parents. We couldn’t be prouder of how she is navigating brain cancer. Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

The family receives notification of all donations made to this tribute fund automatically.