Event Benefits Plainfield Tot Battling Brain Tumor

Friends are stepping up to help a Plainfield 2-year-old in the fight against a debilitating brain tumor.

Stacie Flanagan said a benefit is in the works for Alexandria Stojanov, who was diagnosed with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, a rare type of brain tumor, when she was just 10 months old.

While the tumor isn’t cancerous, its position near the optic nerve and pituitary gland has limited the toddler’s mobility and affected her vision and hearing, Flanagan said.

“She’s had almost a dozen surgeries and nine months of chemo on and off,” said Flanagan, a friend of Alexandria’s mom, Valerie Stojanov. “The biggest blow recently is that she’s had two different strokes recently because of where the tumor is … This poor little baby has been through some pretty traumatic events.”

Though doctors feared the strokes would leave the toddler blind and deaf, her parents are holding out hope, Flanagan said.

"They are starting to see some improvements," she said.

But the 2-year-old’s medical bills are mounting.

“It’s been pretty tough for them,” Flanagan said. “The costs are really starting to be a significant burden.”

A benefit in Alexandria’s honor is scheduled for 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at , 13717 W. Route 30 in Plainfield.

Ticket prices, which cover the cost of draft beer, wine, soda and appetizers, are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. The event will also include silent auctions and raffles, with items ranging from a trip to Las Vegas to Coach bags, Bears tickets and more, Flanagan said.

For tickets or to donate raffle items, call Flanagan at 815-482-8577 or Jennifer Hudetz at 815-715-1878, or email savebabyalexandria@yahoo.com.

Donations can also be made online at www.wepay.com/alexandria, or sent to payable to Benefit for Alexandria Stojanov at:

Attn: Teller line/Cathy Crews

24509 W. Lockport St.

Plainfield, IL 60544