Addison Goff

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Dear HSE Families,

Most of you are probably already aware of this, but I want to bring you up to speed about the health Addison Goff, who is a wonderful fourth grader in Mrs. Long's fourth grade class.

For the last couple of weeks, she had been having headaches.  Last week, she had a neurologist appointment.  On Friday, she went and they immediately sent her to Children's Hospital in Detroit.  There, they found a large tumor, some of which was possibly attached to her brain stem.  She was scheduled for surgery on Monday of this week.

On Monday, she underwent a 10 hour surgery, which seemed to be very successful.  An MRI showed that they were able to get 90% of the tumor.  Pathology will take awhile on this because the tumor had to be taken out in such small pieces.  It ended up that the tumor was 5 cm.  Addi came out of the surgery as well as could be expected.  Her speech was fine.

Early yesterday morning, she took a turn for the worse.  She had a seizure and her heart rate dropped.  She had to have a breathing tube put in.  She had to have a stint put in to help with pressure on her brain.  The problem worsened and later in the day, surgeons had to remove part of her skull to relieve pressure.  She is in a coma now.

This morning, the family was given more bad news and her mom, Ashley, posted that the doctors told her that it doesn't look like Addi will make it.  

The family is an HSE staple.  Addi's mom, Ashley has been on our parent group executive board and was a preschool associate teacher.  They come to all of our events and Ashley helps at lots of them.  Addi has two sisters; a second grader and a preschooler.  

Our goal at school is to keep things as normal as possible for our students, but still to provide support to students who need it.  Our main attention will be focused on fourth grade students, but mental health professionals will be available to any students who need it.  We have been posting updates on Addi on our Facebook page, but I thought it would be good to send a notice like this to all families in case any of our students are asking questions.  It's important that parents can be the first, and main, line of communication to their children in times like this.  Another important reminder to children is that if they have questions, to ask a trusted adult.  Sometimes asking a friend questions about things like this isn't the best option.  

The family is overwhelmed by all of the support they have received from their school family and friends.  We will be holding a popcorn pop to benefit the family on Monday.  The price of the popcorn will be a donation to the Goffs.  Also, please share the link to Addi's GoFundMe page with family and friends who will not be able to participate in the popcorn pop fundraiser.  Additional fundraisers are being planned at all of our schools.

There will also be a prayer vigil held at Brandon Community Church, 2300 S. Ortonville Rd. from 5:00-9:00 tomorrow night.  

Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  

Andy Phillips
HSE Principal 


 
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Attachments
popcorn_pop_addi_1.pdf