Aria’s Story

Site created on March 23, 2020


Aria Turner was just a normal kindergartner who enjoyed life and loved being with her friends and family. After the New Year, Aria came down with what her mom thought was the flu. She had a fever, chills, and was extremely fatigued. After several weeks Aria was still exhibiting symptoms of excessive exhaustion and would sleep 12-14 hours at night and then would fall asleep at school. By mid-March she was losing weight rapidly and suffering from migraines and eye pain. Everyone from her teacher, family, and friends knew something was not right. After multiple doctors appointments and tests, an MRI revealed Aria had a brain tumor and she was immediately hospitalized in the ICU. After an emergency surgery to relieve fluid (and pressure) from her brain, the doctors speculated that she had a craniopharyngioma (a benign brain tumor). Further blood work and tests revealed every parent's worst nightmare - Aria did not have a benign tumor, but a malignant one. She is set to begin chemo treatments the week of March 30. She will complete six cycles of aggressive chemotherapy at Children's Hospital, followed by six weeks of radiation at the Mayo Clinic. While her friends and family are shocked and devastated, they are not without faith and hope. Thank you for reading, praying, sharing, and caring. The family is so grateful for your love and support.  
Link to Meal Train: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/v1wnz8
Link to GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aria039s-fundraiser

Newest Update

A Milestone & New Season

Journal entry by Jessica Kelehan —

It is with a heart full of gratitude that I post this update. On Tuesday, Aria went in for her routine MRI. She was cleared to have her port removed and it was done the same day. 
 
This is such a milestone! Having her port removed means her team feels confident that she will no longer need it. Her scan results show her tumor is stable and they will continue to monitor her every three months through MRIs. 
 
Wednesday we had several hours of meetings with her entire team to talk about next steps. The next big hurdle will be starting Miss Aria on growth hormones so she can catch up with some of her peers, and hopefully end her school year taller than the kindergarten class 😉. 
 
Speaking of school, both kids start classes next week and our family is excited for what feels like a new season in so many ways. Blake is playing football and Aria was cleared to cheer again. It has filled my heart nearly to bursting to see them both back doing what they love. 
 
I want to say thank you to all of you for the 18 months of support and prayers. There were so many nights I prayed over my sleeping girl with tears streaming down my face, and it comforted me to know you all were praying for her too. As I look back over the last 18 months I am in awe of the miracles God has done, the faithfulness of friends, the patience wrought from pain, and the peace that passes understanding. To God be the glory for it all. 
 
I will continue to post occasional updates and prayer requests here. Blessings to each one of you. 
 
Love and Gratitude, 
Jessica, Blake, & Aria 
Read More of the journal titled "A Milestone & New Season"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Aria Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $30 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Aria's site for one month. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Aria

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top