Ortonville- Kayleigh Hogan was diagnosed with brain cancer on April 11, and had surgery just three days later to remove the medullo blastoma tumor.
The 8-year-old has since endured radiation and at the end of this month she will have another surgery to remove one of her ovaries, prior to beginning nine months of chemotherapy that will likely destroy her reproductive system. The ovary will be frozen, giving her a chance to have children later in life.
‘The tumor was in the cerebellum,? said Herb Hogan, an Ortonville Lions Club and VFW member who is the great-great-uncle of Kayleigh. ‘She had some issues with her eye, but that is coming around. She’s a Hogan and she’s a fighter. She’s very positive and wants to get better.?
The removal of Kayleigh’s ovary may not be covered by insurance, said Herb. Additionally, her parents, Chris and Sean Hogan, are dealing with the financial burdens of insurance co-pays, and loss of income as they spend time with their daughter at the hospital.
Fundraisers to benefit Kayleigh Hogan are planned for July 27, including an 80-mile motorcycle ride organized by Sean Guzman that will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Village Pub, 411 Mill St. and end at Bottoms Up Food & Spirits, 14007 Dixie Highway, Groveland Township. At Bottoms Up from 2-6 p.m., July 27, items including four $25 gift certificates will be auctioned off to benefit Kayleigh and there will also be a 50/50 raffle.
The motorcycle ride is free, but, Herb laughs, donations of anywhere from $5 to $1,000,000 are appreciated.
Kayleigh is one of four children of Chris and Sean Hogan of Cincinnati. Sean is an Army veteran who served in Iraq. Kayleigh says her favorite animal, besides her father, is the snow leopard. Her favorite color is pink and she likes to play soccer. She will be 9-years-old in September.
Donations can also be made payable to ‘Fundraiser for Kayleigh Hogan? at Genisys Credit Union.
For more information, call Herb Hogan at 248-933-6091.