Alyssa
Alyssa Scheve has always been a child who loves people. Even on her worst day, she wants to talk to everyone who walks by.
In 2013 Alyssa was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Since that time she has endured numerous hospitalizations, trips to the emergency department, and clinic visits at Blank Children's Hospital. With every clinic visit and hospital stay, she makes an impression on her caregivers and staff with her spunky personality.
“Alyssa has to tell everyone she sees what she has been up to since the last time she saw them, especially her thoughts on fashion and nail designs,” said Alyssa’s mother, Carissa Scheve. “She considers the staff at Blank Children's Hospital her second family. Even when she is getting poked and having tests or procedures, she still enjoys coming so she can see everyone. Most of the time, we can't get her to leave because everyone knows her!”
Although Alyssa’s brain tumor was not cancerous, its location made it a very serious diagnosis. Her tumor was attached to several vital structures in her brain that were damaged during the surgery to remove the tumor. Due to the brain injury, she no longer has function in her pituitary gland and hypothalamus, and she has 50 percent vision loss in both eyes. In the past three years, she has had several surgeries and multiple hospitalizations.
Alyssa’s care involves more than 10 specialists in three states whom she follows up with regularly. She takes around 20 pills every day to replace the functions that were lost and gets a shot daily to help her grow. She has her blood drawn at least once a week and spends a lot of time getting IV fluids at the hospital.
“Despite all of her lifelong medical issues, she is still a fun, sassy 11-year-old with a big heart,” Carissa said. “She is a true example of strength and perseverance. Most people she meets have no idea of the medical challenges she faces each day. She just wants to be a kid. Like every other child she meets in the hospital or that has chronic medical conditions. She is stronger than I will ever be!”