ST. JOHN PARISH — In what began as a routine checkup for suspected whooping cough, three-month-old Sevyn Weber’s life took an unimaginable turn. His mother, Keiara Neal, initially believed her baby boy was battling a common illness. However, their pediatrician noticed troubling signs—Sevyn’s head measured unusually large for his age, and his gaze seemed frozen downward, unable to follow movement.
“The doctor measured his head three times,” Keiara recalled. “She told us she was worried something serious was going on. That’s when everything changed.”
A whirlwind of medical tests revealed the unimaginable: a golf ball-sized tumor on Sevyn’s brain. The tumor was causing a dangerous buildup of spinal fluid, threatening his life. Emergency surgery was performed the very next day.
“The neurologist told us surgery was his best chance of survival,” Keiara shared, her voice breaking with emotion. “They removed as much of the tumor as they could, but after more imaging, they realized some of it was still there. He needed a second surgery.”
That second surgery was successful in removing the remainder of the tumor. But the biopsy results delivered another blow: Sevyn’s tumor was malignant. Doctors diagnosed it as an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), an exceedingly rare and aggressive form of cancer in young children.
The road ahead is daunting. Sevyn has had a port placed for chemotherapy, which will be critical in his fight against this disease. His parents, Keiara and her fiancé, have been by his side every moment, navigating their own heartache while managing the needs of their family.
Keiara’s strength is deeply rooted in love for all her children. Her nine-year-old daughter is overcoming trauma from witnessing a violent domestic incident last year. “She saw her father pull out a gun on me,” Keiara revealed, the pain still raw. “It’s been a long journey, but she’s finally turning a corner.”
Her four-year-old daughter, who has ADHD and autism, is staying with grandparents, thinking she’s on an extended vacation. “She doesn’t fully understand, but my nine-year-old knows her brother is very sick,” Keiara said.
The emotional and financial toll is immense. While Medicaid helps, the family’s expenses have skyrocketed as both parents remain off work to care for Sevyn. They’ve turned to the kindness of others, setting up a GoFundMe to help with mounting costs.
Through it all, Keiara clings to hope. “We’re praying Sevyn will be home by Thanksgiving. We just want to hold him close, all of us together as a family.”
In the face of overwhelming challenges, the Neals are determined to fight for Sevyn. Their story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community to uplift those in need.
For those wishing to support Sevyn’s journey, donations can be made through the family’s GoFundMe. Every contribution brings them one step closer to healing.
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