Facing a pediatric brain tumor with a cheerful spirit
February 18, 2026
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by Gohar Manzar, M.D., Ph.D., on February 18, 2026
Audrey Yerian, known to her friends and family as “Audge,” is a 10-year-old competitive cheerleader from Tomball, Texas. Her passion for cheer matches her incredible courage. So, when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive childhood brain tumor, she faced it with the same perseverance, courage and passion.
For years, Audrey had experienced brain tumor symptoms, including debilitating migraines and what were believed to be moments of daydreaming, later revealed to be focal seizures. Despite persistent advocacy from her parents, early imaging was delayed by her local doctors. A CT scan in October 2024 was read as a sinus infection by a neuro-radiologist, who missed signs of skull deformation.
But when Audrey began having six or more seizures a day, her parents pushed for an MRI. That scan led to a life-changing diagnosis of a Grade 3 anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (APXA), a rare type of brain cancer.
Perseverance during brain tumor treatment
On Nov. 11, 2024, Audrey underwent a craniotomy at Texas Children’s Hospital. A craniotomy is the most common surgery to treat brain tumors and surgically remove the tumor. With a quick timeline to meet clinical trial requirements, she was immediately referred to MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center, where she began targeted proton therapy treatments under the care of pediatric radiation oncologist Gohar Manzar, M.D., Ph.D., followed by a two-year oral chemotherapy regimen at Texas Children’s Hospital under a clinical trial by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).
Because protons can be precisely controlled, pediatric proton therapy is ideal for tumors located near growing tissues in the spinal cord, brain, eyes, ears or mouth.
Manzar recalls in their first day meeting that Audrey realized they had something in common – being an avid Taylor Swift fan. “She noticed my Swiftie status on my badge pin and requested that I play ‘Shake It Off’ on my guitar for her last weekly visit,” says Manzar. “It is the first time I ever played guitar for one of my patients as opposed to ukulele, and it was such a magical experience for all of us. The whole family sang along, and we got into the lyrics, which was so encouraging for Audrey.”
With the support of child life specialist Ellen Reynolds, Audrey completed six weeks of treatment without the need for sedation. This included an MRI that lasted nearly three hours, during which she had to remain completely still with her head secured in place.
Managing side effects during and after brain tumor treatment
While she had minimal side effects from proton therapy, Audrey continued to experience some mild memory loss, nausea, fatigue and migraines.
“Despite everything she’s been through, Audrey is doing amazingly well,” says Melissa Yerian, Audrey’s mom. Treatment caused hair loss and fatigue, and those side effects challenged her the most as she wants to keep up with her friends and siblings. “Nurse Tenna Vogel, Ellen and Dr. Manzar became like friends to us and helped make each day a little easier.”
On Jan. 28, 2025, Audrey handed out flowers and handwritten notes to her care team, who all showed up to cheer her on as she rang the gong to mark the end of 30 proton therapy treatments. “The staff made it such a special and emotional day,” recalls Melissa.
Finding strength and community through cheer
Despite fatigue, side effects and setbacks, Audrey never lost her passion for cheerleading.
Even during treatment, she attended practices, cheering on her teammates, and was even named an honorary coach during recovery. Her gym added “DIFA — Do It for Audrey” to their music and surrounded her with love and prayer.
After missing her entire 2024 season, she is back on the mat, rebuilding her strength, flexibility and skills. Audrey has inspired everyone around her with her strength, humor, empathy and unstoppable spirit.
She and her family plan to launch a foundation to give back to the community that has so fiercely supported them.
Finding gratitude with a child in cancer treatment
“Audrey is so strong and brave with more faith than I have seen in anyone,” Melissa says. “When she beats this for good, she is going to do big things. We cannot wait to watch her grow up and change the world.”
Melissa offers other parents of pediatric cancer patients this advice to keep their spirits up. “The key is to make each appointment an adventure,” she says. “Make friends with the staff. Laugh often. Pray hard and have faith!”
The future of childhood cancer treatment
Starting in spring 2026, UT MD Anderson and Texas Children’s will provide pediatric cancer care through Kinder Children’s Cancer Center, a joint venture of UT MD Anderson and Texas Children’s. Created by a transformational $150 million gift from Kinder Foundation, Kinder Children’s Cancer Center will provide specialized oncology care in a healing environment, uniting scientific innovation and clinical excellence to close the gap between research and real-world impact for children facing cancer.
Patients like Audrey, who need Radiation Oncology services, including proton therapy, will continue to receive treatment at UT MD Anderson.