CANCER CENTER
Garrett
Diagnosed at 2,
brain tumor

Garrett was a 2-year-old live wire when his right eye started to “wiggle,” as his mother, Tracye, describes it.

Just to be safe, Tracye took Garrett to an ophthalmologist, who referred him to Texas Children’s. After a series of tests, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Two days later, while his family was still reeling from the impact of the diagnosis, Garrett had brain surgery and started treatment at Texas Children’s Cancer Center.

Now a happy, healthy preschooler, Garrett barely remembers his days in the hospital – but Texas Children’s made quite an impression on the family. Inspired by the center’s expert nursing care, Tracye is studying to become a pediatric oncology nurse. The family has become active in efforts to raise funds for pediatric brain tumor research for other volunteer organizations serving children with cancer, where they often meet other families facing the disease.

“Whenever we meet families with children who have cancer, I always tell them right away that Texas Children’s Cancer Center is the best place for kids,” Tracye says. “Why go anywhere else?”