Long time J.U.i.C.E. supporter and Board member, Rob McGowan, recently lost his beautiful son Myles to a brain tumor. His son was only 5 years old. The J.U.i.C.E. community wishes to express our deepest condolences.

If you have the means to help the McGowan's in this difficult time by making a financial contribution, please do by mailing a check to:
Rob and Emilee McGowan
26226 Belle Porte Ave, Harbor City, CA 90710

READ MORE ABOUT MYLES
He has a Facebook profile:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Myles_McGowan/1391378450

Myles was a miracle baby from the beginning. He was born on January 12, 2003 in Torrance California. Myles’ first day of school was on Sept 6, 2006. He and his friend Mark had these huge backpacks and were all smiles. He was so excited for his first day. It was great! It was during these first days of school that Myles began complaining that his neck was hurting and he was tired all the time.

Myles parents took him to see his Pediatrician the following week on September 12, 2006. Myles had several more visits to the Pediatrician and each time the doctors diagnosed it as the flu. As the days went on Myles continued to complain that his neck was hurting so his parents took him to urgent care to get a 2nd opinion on September 16th 2006. The urgent care physician thought it was the flu as well. Myles was still in pain so Myles went back to the Pediatrician. So finally the Pediatrician sent Myles and his parents to Torrance Memorial Medical Center so they could run some tests on Myles. The family met with Dr. Tarnay at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. After several tests the doctors knew what was causing Myles to have the pain, he had a tumor at the base of his brain. The doctors informed Myles’ parents that they had a lot of work ahead of them. Myles was then transferred to Long Beach Memorial - Miller Children's hospital. His parents prayed immediately for their child’s well being.

Myles was transported to the other medical facility where they began to perform procedures to relieve some of the pressure at the base of his brain. The type of tumor Myles has is known as Ependymoma. The cause is still unknown and is being researched. Later that night Myles underwent surgery to remove the tumor and the doctors were able to remove 75% of the tumor. His parents wanted as much of the tumor removed as possible and they would worry about his quality of life later.

After the surgery Myles underwent Chemotherapy, only to return to the hospital for another round of surgeries as the cancer had begun to spread. After his last round of surgeries Myles began to undergo physical and speech therapy along with his regular visits to the doctor. Myles is an amazing child with so much potential and enthusiasm. When people meet him they instantly have an attraction toward his friendly nature.

Myles fought a good fight but succumbed to his illness on July 30, 2008.

http://www.hhfoundation.org/Our_Inspiration.html