Arielle Beaulieu Arielle Beaulieu

Arielle was born seemingly healthy in 2013. On her 8th day of life, a timely fall down the stairs prompted a CT scan, and an enormous brain tumor was discovered. We were told that the mass was untreatable, and to take her home under hospice care. Unsatisfied with this terminal prognosis, we requested a biopsy, but even a world renowned expert couldn't identify it. We took our daughter to Boston Children’s Hospital for a second (and lifesaving) opinion. The bulk of the tumor was removed, and identified as a congenital intracranial teratoma -- a condition that is described as uniformly fatal in newborns. After consulting with a team of international oncologists, it was decided that total removal of the tumor would give her the best chance. After six brain surgeries, and debilitating -but surprisingly temporary- side effects, she is now a healthy little girl; one of only a handful of survivors. Arielle will receive scans into adulthood to watch for relapse, but her future looks bright!