Parent Blog: Sara Erbes

In their words

Sara Erbes
Marion, Iowa

In March 2016, when Grayson was 11 months old, we found our way to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital while searching for answers as to what was causing his rapid, chaotic eye movements (amongst other symptoms). After bringing him to the emergency department we were admitted for further testing. 

We met Grayson’s neurologist, Katherine Mathews, MD, while we were inpatient and she diagnosed him with opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome. Dr. Mathews then referred us to pediatric oncology for further testing. That’s when we met Mariko Sato, MD, PhD. 

A CT scan showed a mass along Grayson’s spine that was later identified as a neuroblastoma tumor. Pediatric surgeon Graeme Pitcher, MBBCh, performed Grayson’s tumor resection and port placement surgery. He was able to resect 95% of Grayson’s tumor. 

Fast forward to 3.5 years later and Grayson has had 17 sedations and countless infusions and doctor’s appointments. 

UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital helped save Grayson’s life. Without their expertise, Grayson could’ve had a very different outcome. We are very appreciative to the doctors, nurses, child life and other staff who have taken care of us over these past 3.5 years.