Dr. Mark Souweidane, a Hero to Children with Life-Threatening Brain and Spine Tumors
Last August, Dr. Mark Souweidane listened to a special message by Edward and Kelly McCarthy, whose son, William, had developed a life-threatening brain tumor in March 2005. He was only four months old. No parent ever expects their child to receive such a frightening diagnosis, and the McCarthys were devastated.
But, said Kelly McCarthy, "thanks to Dr. Souweidane's skill and by the grace of God, William's tumor was removed. It gives us great pleasure to report that he is a healthy and happy toddler who has developed an affinity for the Boston Red Sox, to the delight of his mother and dismay of his father!"
Kelly McCarthy spoke at a ceremony at which the Child Brain Tumor Foundation in Belport, New York, honored Dr. Souweidane for his ongoing, committed battle against children's brain and spinal cord tumors. Mark Souweidane is Vice Chairman of Neurological Surgery and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
Dr. Souweidane's skill in the operating room - and his ability to help his young patients cope with life-altering illnesses, comes as no surprise to anyone who has worked with him or benefitted from his internationally recognized expertise. Such as these young patients, among many who write to him:
“
Thank you for helping me. If you didn't, I would have missed Christmas.
”
- Stivan
“
The best part of my day was seeing you, Dr. S. You are my hero!
”
- Tyler
“
Learning that I had brain cancer was very difficult for me to handle at first, but with your help, I was able to turn my emotions into optimism.
”
- Kevin
About children's brain and spinal cord tumors
Brain and spinal cord tumors are the deadliest childhood disease. Roughly one-third of children with brain tumors do not survive more than five years.
Children with brain tumors spend long stretches of time in the hospital, often accompanied full time by their parents. They are isolated from their peers and lose out on the experience of childhood. It is a stressful time for these children and their families.
The surgery, chemotherapy and radiation that often accompanies treatment causes permanent effects, including learning, movement, and communications disorders.
Research into this disease is a challenge. The disease is rare and there are many types of brain and spinal cord tumors. Tissue samples are small, and it takes time to test and validate new treatment options. All the while, the child's brain and body are growing - an ever-changing situation that must be taken into account.
Dr. Souweidane says he is hopeful for progress, especially in light of innovative surgical procedures (including minimally invasive techniques), refinements in radiation and chemotherapy, and advances in research.
Most of Dr. Souweidane's patients are referred by other doctors who trust him to take the very best care of their young patients-and he delivers.
"Dr. Souweidane is one of the most thoughtful, considerate physicians with whom I have the pleasure to work. He is creative in his thinking, while being cautious in his approach. Parents who entrust their children to him should feel confident that he will do everything within his power to give their child the absolutely best medical and surgical care," said Dr. Barry Kosofsky, Professor of Pediatrics and Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Children, parents, and other physicians: it seems that Dr. Mark Souweidane is indeed a hero to all.
To reach Dr. Souweidane, call (212) 746-2363.
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