HOMETOWN: FREMONT, NE
DIAGNOSIS: PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA
DATE OF DIAGNOSIS: 2020
CURRENT STATUS: STABLE
In May 2020, then six-year-old, Stella Drake, was experiencing issues with her eyesight. After a trip to the eye doctor led to a brain cancer diagnosis, the Drake family was in fight mode. Stella’s tumor was resected during an eight-hour surgery. Fortunately, she did not have to undergo radiation or chemotherapy and is currently doing well. Her May 2021 scan was clear and showed no regrowth. Stella is back to doing all the things girls her age do, but does have to return for scans periodically.
Stella’s dad, Oliver, is the head men’s basketball coach at Midland University in Fremont. In January of 2022, the Midland Warriors are hosting a free youth basketball clinic and a Team Jack awareness and fundraising night. For more information on this event, visit: https://teamjackfoundation.org/event/midland/.
To make a donation to fund child brain cancer research in honor of Stella, click the red donate button at the top of the page.