Chronological History of Caroline Bailey's Illness

Caroline Bailey was born at Tift Regional Medical Center on May 8th 2004. When she was around 10 weeks old we noticed that Caroline would have “spells” where she would clinch her teeth, her lips would turn blue, and she would turn her head stiffly to her right. We knew that something was not right and took her to her pediatrician. Caroline had many tests done to try to find a cause for the “spells” until a CT scan was done of her head. The CT scan showed abnormal brain development. Caroline’s “spells” were diagnosed as seizures and she was admitted to the neurology department at Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta.

As Caroline was being admitted, she had an extremely high blood pressure reading. This blood pressure was extremely high for a 10 week old baby. This led her physician to order an ultrasound of her kidneys to determine the cause of her high blood pressure. An abnormal ultrasound led the physician to order a CT scan of her lower back. An abnormal CT scan led the physician to order an MRI of her abdomen and back. The MRI showed a large complex tumor in Caroline’s abdomen and lower back.

Her initial diagnosis was that the tumor was a nueroblastoma, a type of cancer of the nerve tissue. Caroline had a biopsy done to confirm the diagnosis. On August 4th 2004, a small incision was made in her abdomen and a sample of the tumor was collected. This was Caroline’s first surgery.

The biopsy results determined that Caroline had a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis. This condition causes an over growth of nerve tissue which combines with connective tissue in the body to form neurofibromas. These neurofibromas continue to grow in size and number and do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

As the neurofibromas grow they can crowd body organs eventually causing organ failure and arteries to close. Caroline was also diagnosed with epilepsy and had had a type of seizure called “infantile spasms”. She was placed on seizure and blood pressure medication. We were told that she needed follow up MRI tests every 3 months to monitor the tumor (neurofibroma) growth. Caroline had uncontrollable seizures for over a year. Caroline had an arteriogram done on her head in January 2005.

This test showed that she had a completely blocked left carotid artery, which probably happened before she was born. The lack of blood flow to her brain caused her brain to be under developed, and subsequently caused right side weakness, vision, speech, learning, and walking problems. Her second surgery was done in November 2005. This surgery was done on her brain in an attempt to alleviate some of her seizures. The procedure helped for about 6 months, but her seizures returned although not as severe.

Caroline had a large tumor removed from her lower back in April of 2006. This was her third surgery. In July 2007 Caroline was placed on a special diet called the Ketogenic diet. This diet was to help control her seizures. She stayed on this diet for 10 months. The diet worked well for about 6 months. Caroline’s current diet is Pediasure formula by way of a bottle. Her fourth surgery was done at Scottish Rite on May 5th 2009, again on her lower back. The surgeon removed a portion of the large tumor in Caroline’s lower back that was causing her pain.

Caroline developed a fever and a wound infection shortly after this surgery. She was hospitalized at Tift Regional Medical Center on May 14th 2009 for 11 days, and then sent back to Scottish Rite to clean out the wound and remove the infection. This was her fifth surgery.

Caroline is doing well now, as her back has healed and she is fever free. Caroline is now 5 years old. She enjoys her family, her teachers at pre-school and church, music, small stuffed animals, and being outside. Caroline’s primary doctor is in Tifton, Ga. and her specialists are in Augusta, Ga. Caroline has been helped by many people in the community of Tifton, Ga. and continues to be lifted up in many thoughts and prayers. She has been a blessing from God to all who know her. Her family wants to send out a heartfelt thank you for all who have helped with Caroline’s care and expenses.

Carolines Ride 2009

Caroline Bailey is a 5 year old child with a serious disease. This fundraising bicycle ride is to help the family meet any expenses associated with the treatment of Caroline.

Most of the volunteers are from Tift Regional Medical Center. We do welcome volunteers from anywhere that wish to help out. We are in need of many donations and many people to make this event a great success.

  Click the button above to donate any amount you wish to caroline's Ride/Cruisin For Caroline