JPA is a rare childhood brain tumor. In most cases this type of tumor is benign, slow growing, and does not usually spread to the surrounding brain tissues. Unfortunately, In Allivea’s case this is not so. Allivea’s tumor is in her hypothalamus, presses against her optic nerve, and sometimes grows rapidly. The tumor causes her to have excruciating pain in her hands, knees, and feet. Her vision is also affected causing significant peripheral vision limitations. Allivea also experiences tics that affect her ability to learn.

Allivea has undergone numerous treatments, but the tumor continues to grow. She currently receives inpatient chemo treatments through a port and daily oral chemo treatments at home. Allivea’s doctors have determined that she is resistant to typical chemo treatments. She will soon begin radiation therapy. She will have to do these treatments every single day for 6 weeks. Due to New York laws, Allivea will have to face this scary time receiving radiation therapy alone. Laws prohibit anyone accompanying someone receiving treatments. With this treatment Allivea’s family hopes that Allivea will become cancer free for at least five to fifteen years so she can live a normal life. Since there is no cure, the tumor can come back at any time.

Allivea is strong and resilient. She has remained strong and has put up quite a fight her whole life. She is always positive and smiling. Allivea touches the lives of everyone she meets.

To celebrate Allivea’s sixth birthday, our Sugar Angel at Cups N Cakes Bakery created a beautiful pink and purple two-tiered Paw Patrol cake. Allivea was beyond happy to receive such an awesome cake! You can follow Allivea’s journey on Facebook at Allivea’s Army.

With Smiles,

Chasity Brown

Icing Smiles Blog Writer