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Thriving after a brain tumor: Cora’s story of hope and healing
A multidisciplinary team at Ochsner Children's Hospital successfully treated a complex brain tumor in a 6-month-old
NEW ORLEANS - At just 13 weeks old, Cora’s family received news that would change their lives: Their baby girl had a brain tumor. What followed was a journey of resilience, expert medical care and hope. Today, Cora is a happy and thriving young girl.
Born in March 2021, Cora instantly brought joy to her family. However, at 11 weeks old, she began having unexplained health events. These occurrences are known as brief, resolved, unexplained events (BRUE). They happen in infants under one year old and last less than 60 seconds. A BRUE can cause breathing changes, pale or blue skin color and reduced muscle tone or responsiveness before the child returns to normal.
These frightening moments left her parents searching for answers. After multiple doctor visits and hospital stays, the expert care team at Ochsner Children’s Hospital found the cause. Cora was having seizures caused by a brain tumor.
Cora met neurosurgeon Cuong “CJ” Bui, MD and the dedicated epilepsy and brain tumor teams at Ochsner Children’s Hospital. Dr. Bui and a team of neurologists and oncologists quickly created a treatment plan. They initially hoped to delay surgery, but Cora’s seizures became more frequent. On November 8, 2021, at just six months old, she underwent brain surgery with Dr. Bui.
“Cora presented with progressive seizure activity secondary to a complex brain tumor, requiring careful evaluation and coordination across multiple subspecialties," Dr. Bui said. "Through close collaboration between pediatric neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, pediatric oncology, and critical care teams, we developed a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to her age and clinical course."
Dr. Bui noted that her excellent outcome reflects both the technical success of the surgery and the strength of a coordinated, team-based approach to complex pediatric care. Ochsner is a trusted leader in pediatric neurosurgery, engaging experts across fields to manage complex health challenges with innovative, proven treatments.
Thanks to the immense skill and compassion of Cora’s surgeons and care team, the surgery was a complete success. Today, Cora shows no signs of tumor regrowth. Her family remains forever grateful for the lifesaving, expert care they received at Ochsner.
Learn more about pediatric neurosurgery at Ochsner Children's by visiting Pediatric Neurosurgery | Ochsner Health.
About Ochsner Children’s
Ochsner Children’s is part of Ochsner Health, the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner Children’s has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for five consecutive years. For the ninth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ochsner Children's Hospital among the Top 50 Children’s Hospitals in the country. In 2025, Ochsner Children's Hospital ranked in cardiology and heart surgery and gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s Hospital is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Children’s Hospitals ranking in pulmonology and neonatology.