Colleen's story

As a teenager, Colleen was diagnosed with a cerebellar astrocytoma after she experienced an unsteady gait, tremor, apathy, difficulty in school and episodes of pressure in the front of her head followed by blacking out. Her pediatrician conducted a neurologic exam that revealed many red flags. She went for an emergency MRI the same day and she underwent brain surgery shortly after receiving the MRI results.

Staff involved with our brain tumor treatment team played an essential role in her recovery process by providing emotional support and fostering connections between patients and families through the Family Support Program. Colleen and her family also appreciate Dr. John Ruge’s nurturing and innovative approach to treatment.

Upon graduation from high school, Colleen attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and received her Ed.S. in school psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She went on to become a practicing school psychologist.