Anni's Army Foundation was started by Mark and Lynn Meier to honor their daughter Annika. Annika (Anni) was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor on June 30, 2021. Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor of the cerebellum. The cerebellum controls balance and coordinated movements. The cerebellum is found near the brainstem in a region called the posterior fossa at the back of the brain. This fast-growing tumor can spread to other areas of the brain and spinal cord through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). About 500 children in the United States per year are diagnosed with a medulloblastoma tumor. To us, that is 500 too many.

The harsh reality is that there will be ongoing, long-term physical, cognitive and neurological challenges for Annika. Annika does have permanent high frequency hearing loss and esotropia in her left eye, which may or may not be corrected. Research shows that those afflicted with PFS (especially severe PFS) have Challenges beyond 5+ years from onset with intellectual function, processing speed, working memory and spatial relations, among other items. All of which can affect most aspects of everyday life. Despite the potential for many obstacles in the future (relapse or recurrence, late effects of treatment, secondary cancer, fertility issues) we refuse to see Annika’s future as anything but bright even if it looks different than “normal”. After all, we still have our girl!!!

We will continue to advocate for her health and safety (including whatever treatment or rehab is necessary), to care for our boys who have been absolute rocks through all of this, to generate funds to support reaseacr as well as Anni's Gift.

Our hope is the ongoing research supported in part by our organization will help other pediatric brain cancer patients and families.

Anni's Army Foundation

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