Jack’s Story: Brain Tumor Treatment with LITT | LINA

A Brain Tumor in One of the Most Delicate Areas

This incredible 6-year-old underwent a brain tumor biopsy with Dr. Steven J. Schneider, followed by Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) with Dr. Shaun D. Rodgers, a minimally invasive option for tumors too risky for traditional surgery. Jack’s tumor was located in one of the most delicate areas of the brain, and a groundbreaking treatment approach changed everything for him and his family.

Before LITT, there were no safe surgical options for cases like Jack’s. Today, this innovative technology is offering life-changing, and often lifesaving, hope for children whose tumors sit in locations where traditional open surgery would carry too much risk.

The Treatment Journey

Step 1: Brain Tumor Biopsy

The first step in Jack’s care was a biopsy performed by Dr. Steven J. Schneider to identify exactly what type of tumor was present. Because of the tumor’s location in a particularly delicate area of the brain, this step required a precise, carefully planned approach.

Step 2: Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)

Following the biopsy, Jack underwent LITT with Dr. Shaun D. Rodgers. LITT is a minimally invasive technique that uses focused laser energy, guided by real-time MRI, to treat tumors through a very small opening rather than traditional open surgery. For tumors located in areas where conventional surgical removal would be too risky, LITT can offer a path to treatment that previously didn’t exist.

Jack Today: Doing Amazing

Now, Jack is doing amazing. His MRI images from before and after treatment reflect the meaningful difference this approach made in his care.

Beyond his medical journey, Jack recently had a moment that meant the world to him: through the Garden of Dreams Foundation, he got to meet his favorite NY Rangers player, Mika Zibanejad. It was a joyful reminder that behind every treatment journey is a child getting back to being a kid, cheering for his favorite team and living his life.

Why LITT Matters

For decades, children with tumors in certain delicate areas of the brain had few, if any, safe surgical options. Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy has changed that. By using a minimally invasive approach guided by real-time imaging, LITT allows our team to treat tumors that would otherwise be considered inoperable, offering families hope in situations that once had very few answers.

Jack’s story is a powerful example of how far pediatric neurosurgery has come, and how much of a difference the right treatment, at the right time, can make in a child’s life.

Is LITT an Option for Your Child?

Every child’s tumor is different, and not every case is suited to the same treatment approach. Evaluation typically begins with detailed imaging to understand the tumor’s exact size, location, and characteristics, followed by a discussion of which treatment options may offer the safest and most effective path forward.

If your child has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, particularly one described as difficult to reach or high-risk for traditional surgery, our team at Long Island Neurosurgical Associates can help you understand whether LITT or another approach may be right. Learn more about our approach to pediatric brain, skull, spinal cord, and spine tumors, or contact us to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation in New York

To learn more about advanced, minimally invasive brain tumor treatment options, including LITT, contact Long Island Neurosurgical Associates to schedule an evaluation with our pediatric neurosurgery team.

Patient story and photos shared with permission. Special thanks to the Garden of Dreams Foundation and Mika Zibanejad for a moment Jack will always remember.