Sahara's progress

Sahara Aldridge has captured the hearts Southeast Missourians. Sahara was diagnosed last summer with a glioblastoma tumor on her brain stem, a rapidly growing, dangerous form of cancer. Doctors originally told the family the tumor was inoperable, but the Aldridges sought out a neurosurgeon who said the tumor, or most of it, could be removed with surgery.

Last year, singer Rick Springfield held a concert on Sahara's behalf. Students have sold cookies. Businesses have held benefits. People have purchased bracelets. And the Make-a-Wish foundation gave the Aldridge family a room makeover.

Now there is good news to report. Surgery went well last week. This information was posted Wednesday by Amy Aldridge, Sahara's mother, at www.saharaaldridge.blogspot.com:

"We got the final word on pathology today. Sahara has a ganglioglioma with anaplastic features. What a mouthful that is. It is a grade 2 tumor. Although we were hoping it was a lump of dead nothingness, it's still FAR better than the grade 4 diagnosis she was given originally. ... We are hoping to have a new plan of action in place by the end of the week; a lot of work has to be done to figure out what will serve her best. We're also going to be working on getting Sahara into an intensive pediatric rehab program. ... In the meantime, she's doing so well it's almost too scary to type it. ... The PT told her today that she definitely has enough strength in her legs to be able to walk again."

We all hope for a speedy recovery.