anni's story
Anni's Army Foundation was started by Mark and Lynn Meier to honor their daughter, Annika. Annika (Anni) was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor on June 30, 2021. Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor of the cerebellum. The cerebellum controls balance and coordinated movements. The cerebellum is found near the brainstem in a region called the posterior fossa at the back of the brain. This fast-growing tumor can spread to other areas of the brain and spinal cord through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). About 500 children in the United States per year are diagnosed with a medulloblastoma tumor. To us, that is 500 too many.
After a 12-hour brain surgery on July 2, 2021 to remove the tumor, Anni developed posterior fossa syndrome. Children with posterior fossa syndrome usually have a collection of symptoms. The most prominent symptom is limited or loss of speech. Although children lack expressive speech, they may be able to process and understand information. Other symptoms of posterior fossa syndrome include changes in speech, movement, emotions, and behavior. The syndrome develops in roughly 25% of all children who have brain surgery. Posterior fossa syndrome is not completely understood. Doctors don’t know exactly why this condition affects some children and not others. Although certain factors may increase the risk, posterior fossa syndrome cannot be predicted ahead of time. There is no known cure for posterior fossa syndrome, and the course of recovery varies widely.
After brain surgery, 31 radiation treatments, six intensive chemotherapy regimens and learning how to swallow/eat, talk and walk again Annika was unfortunately diagnosed with radiation necrosis in May 2022. Radiation necrosis is a very rare, but devastating side effect of high-dose radiation that results in permanent death of brain tissue. Annika’s necrosis site is at her brainstem and has caused severe deconditioning and a permanent quadriplegia diagnosis. After another inpatient admission at Mary Free Bed during the fall of 2022 we transitioned her to intensive outpatient rehab. After two years of homebound schooling, Annika was THRILLED to return to in person schooling for 8th grade in August 2023 on a modified school day, taking core and elective classes and continuing with outpatient rehab.
Unfortunately, recurrence was confirmed in May 2024. There is no cure for recurrent medulloblastoma, only maintenance therapy. Annika had a chemo port placed in her chest as well as an Ommaya reservoir in her head and started on MEMMAT chemo protocol in June 2024. This is a yearlong treatment protocol that is designed to prevent new tumors from forming by cutting off their blood supply. She is grateful to be able to be in school for her freshman year, continuing a modified school day taking core and elective classes and has
been amazingly supported by the staff at Rockford Freshman Center and Rockford High School.
We are devastated but attacking this with everything we have. We will continue to advocate for her health and safety (including whatever treatment or rehab is necessary), to care for our boys who have been absolute rocks through all of this, to manage Anni’s Army Foundation and to make ourselves available for support or a shoulder to lean on for those going through something similar.
Anni's Army Foundation was formed to raise money for the research of medulloblastoma tumors and other pediatric cancers and make a positive impact on the community.