We were told that Valerie's left optic nerve was removed during surgery and that she was blind in that eye. However, she can track light with the bad eye and the MRI showed an optic nerve. Her other eye was 20/20 as of Fall 2007.   Other than the 3 weeks she has been in the hospital since 2005 - she has had days filled with laughter and joy. We are currently living in Ecuador, South America on the edge of the Amazon rainforest. Please visit our new website for current updates and pictures. www.thewelchfamily.org . Valerie Grace is now 4 years old.

The type of tumor she had partially removed was a Pilomyxoid variant of a low grade Pilocytic Astrocytoma (JPA) in the optic chiasm/ hypothalamic area; a rare tumor that is only seen in very young children. There is no known curative treatment. There is research being done at Johns Hopkins and at Shands Hospital (where they are growing Valerie's tumor that was removed).

God has taught us so much through this that we wanted to share with others our experience. We truly rejoice in all that He has done and are thankful that He has shown us His mercy and His peace! Feel free to read about our journey.

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