Health
Second Opinion Gives Hope for Baby Fletcher
Health Points
- Fletcher was born with a large brain tumor that caused immediate medical concern.
- Initial doctors predicted a very limited lifespan, but her parents sought further opinions.
- Specialists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offered hope and treatment options.
Billy and Stevee Fazenbaker faced heartbreaking news when their daughter Fletcher was born with an abnormally large head, quickly identified as a sign of a brain tumor.
After being told by multiple hospitals that nothing could be done, the Fazenbakers received a new perspective—and hope—thanks to a specialist who identified Fletcher’s rare condition.
“When she came out, her head was very, very big,” Stevee Fazenbaker shares, recalling the shock of her daughter’s birth.
Doctors prepared the family for only a brief time with Fletcher, suggesting hospice care and warning of a short life expectancy.
Despite these predictions, Fletcher began surprising her parents by reaching milestones, such as sucking on a pacifier and drinking from a bottle, which many believed she couldn’t achieve.
The family continued to search for answers, eventually learning about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from their hospice nurse.
“She’s like, ‘So I think we can help you.’ How soon can you get here?” Stevee remembers being told, describing the moment as incredibly uplifting.
Under the care of Dr. Aditi Bagchi at St. Jude, the Fazenbakers finally found the guidance and optimism they needed to move forward.
Today, Fletcher is a happy 3-year-old who enjoys spending time outdoors—defying all early expectations.
Never hesitate to seek a second opinion and advocate for your loved ones’ health—new options and hopeful outcomes may be closer than you think.
