ROANOKE COUNTY – A rare childhood brain tumor called pilocytic astrocytoma isn't stopping a Cave Spring Middle School student from fighting to get back to school just a month after he was diagnosed.
Ethan Passudetti was in the hospital with the brain tumor a month ago. After experiencing several symptoms during the summer, his mother said she knew something was wrong with her son.
"Extreme headaches. He would get really nauseous and throw up out of nowhere and collapse to the ground sometimes because he was so dizzy, saying that his head hurts," said Emily Passudetti.
Doctors didn't know what was wrong with him, but his mother refused to leave the emergency room until they found out. The diagnosis finally came.
"A very large mass was found at the center of his brain," said Passudetti.
The 13-year-old returned to school this week with a warm welcome. He's been away for a month, but he still has a long road to complete recovery.
"He's going to be treated with chemo. He's already had a round. And he will get a dose of chemo every month for a year," said Passudetti.
Ethan's had four surgeries in two weeks. He said he's happy to start back with normal outside activities.
"I was happy to finally get outside and got to the GoFest, and I saw the hospital, which is across the street from the GoFest, and I said, 'I'm glad I'm not inside looking down on all those people, but I feel sorry for all those still in the hospital," said Ethan.
Ethan and his family is receiving support from others with a similar story. Elijah Oltmanns, now 16-years-old, was diagnosed with a form of cancer three years ago.
"Found out playing football. I had a large lump on my neck and it was swollen lymph nodes," said Elijah.
The two families were able to connect and Elijah was able to visit Ethan in the hospital.
"I was just telling him that it's going to be fine and he can make it through and he's going to be strong enough," said Elijah.
Elijah's mother owns Twice Treasured in Vinton. They're selling snacks as a fundraiser to help the family.
"And that money goes to them or they can just donate change. And then a percentage of our sales every month goes back to the family as well," said Heather Oltmanns.
Other businesses around Roanoke County are also starting fundraisers. Ethan and his family has started a GoFundMe account for anyone who would like to donate.