For Elyna Clements, a bright-eyed girl from Camanche, Iowa, the first signs of a serious health issue were subtle. In late fall of 2020, at just seven years old, she began complaining that her eyes were burning and itchy. “So we started going to the eye doctor,” recalls her father, Steve. At the time, everything seemed routine, and she was prescribed eye drops to alleviate what was thought to be minor irritation.

But as Christmas break approached, Elyna experienced a migraine that prompted her parents to take her back to the eye doctor in January. Suddenly, what had been minor discomfort escalated into a dramatic loss of vision. “She went from having no vision issues in late fall, to losing her vision by the middle of January,” Steve says. Elyna’s mother, Erika, adds, “In the fall, I think she was having more sporadic issues and she really didn’t know how to tell us what was going on. We noticed her eyes watering and other signs, so they initially thought it was allergy-related. But when they tested her vision in January, she couldn’t see anything out of her right eye.”

The optometrist suspected a mass behind Elyna’s eye and immediately referred the family to a local hospital for an MRI. The imaging revealed a mass on her brain, prompting a rapid referral to theUniversity of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. There, doctors acted quickly, placing a drain to relieve fluid pressure in her brain, followed by a critical operation two days later.

“Our daughter underwent an almost nine-hour surgery to remove a golf-ball sized craniopharyngioma tumor,” Erika recalls. Craniopharyngioma is a rare form of brain tumor, affecting only 100 to 150 children each year. Though benign, it is slow-growing and typically originates at birth. Elyna’s surgical team was able to remove the tumor through a cavity in her nose—a delicate procedure requiring immense precision.

While the tumor’s removal was life-saving, it left lasting effects. Elyna lost vision in her right eye and has no peripheral vision in her left. Additionally, she developed panhypopituitarism, a condition in which the pituitary gland cannot function properly, leading to multiple hormone deficiencies. This includesdiabetes insipidus, a disorder affecting the body’s fluid balance, and adrenal insufficiency, which reduces cortisol production, along with other pituitary hormone deficiencies.

Despite these challenges, Elyna’s determination and spirit shone through. “She was determined to get back to school,” Erika says. “Going back to second grade was tough, but she has done phenomenal.” Elyna’s resilience is reflected not just in her academics but in her character. “She is very loving and told us she was thankful that none of her sisters or friends had to have a brain tumor,” Erika adds. Her experience also inspired her career aspirations—Elyna now wants to become aChild Life Specialist, motivated by the care and support the hospital’s Child Life Specialists provided her during her treatment. She hopes to create similar experiences for other children facing medical challenges.

Now nine years old and in fourth grade, Elyna enjoys reading and math, and has served as an assistant coach for her soccer team for two years. Her parents marvel at her courage and positive outlook despite the tremendous obstacles she has faced. “She’s been through so much and just had her world turned upside-down,” Erika reflects. “We know there could be more to come, but we take it one day at a time, following the doctors’ advice and treatment plan. We are very thankful that the hospital was able to quickly assist our daughter in her most desperate time of need. The staff and the support we have received have been incredible.”

Elyna’s journey highlights the importance of early detection, rapid intervention, and comprehensive care for children with rare medical conditions. Her story also underscores the impact of emotional and psychological support in pediatric care. The Child Life Specialists and the multidisciplinary team at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital not only addressed Elyna’s medical needs but also guided her and her family through an overwhelming and emotional experience.

Her parents credit the combination of advanced medical care and compassionate support for her recovery and continued progress. The surgical team’s skill saved her life, while ongoing endocrinology management helps her navigate the challenges of hormone deficiencies. Elyna’s courage, combined with her family’s dedication and the hospital’s expertise, has allowed her to thrive despite profound obstacles.

Through every challenge—from sudden vision loss to life-altering surgery—Elyna has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Her story is a testament to the strength of children, the power of dedicated healthcare teams, and the vital role of family support. As she continues to grow, learn, and dream, Elyna inspires everyone around her with her bravery, optimism, and determination to turn her experience into a source of hope and guidance for others.

From the first signs of eye irritation to overcoming a rare brain tumor and adapting to new health realities, Elyna Clements exemplifies courage, perseverance, and the extraordinary potential of a child supported by skilled care and unwavering love.