New life for African child after rare brain surgery in Atlanta

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New life for African child after rare brain surgery in Atlanta

Dorothy, before and after surgery.

Dr. Jim Robinson, Neurosurgeon and Founder of the Brain Expert, PC.

Dorothy as a toddler, before her tumor developed.

At the age of 6, Dorothy began to show signs of the tumor that was previously hidden in her skull. Dorothy was told by doctors that they had no diagnosis and the tumor was inoperable.

Dorothy in her native Ghana, endured tremendous physical pain and social stigma brought on by this tumor. Dorothy’s tumor becomes very serious; a trip abroad is planned for further study and possible surgery.

Enter Dr. Jim Robinson, this accomplished neurosurgeon was ready, willing and able to give Dorothy something every child deserves, a chance at a normal life. Dr. Robinson and Dorothy met in April, 2008, when he performed a 23 hour hours of surgery to remove the tumor, followed by a two stage reconstruction of the skull and face.

Dorothy, prior to her initial surgery and after completion of the complete removal of tumor.

3 dimentional CT scans and MRI’s show the severity of the tumors growth.

A CT reconstruction showing the tumor removed in it’s entirety.

Before and after pictures of tumor compressing and distorting brain, and the healthy brain refilling the space.

A model of the computer generated prosthesis used to reconstruct the skull and eye socket.

We call it science and technology, Dorothy and her family call it a miracle. "By God’s grace through Dr. Robinson, I am a beautiful girl now who nobody is scared of anymore and am currently in the university,” says Dorothy Anning.

This beautiful young lady, inspired by the skill and kindness she received from Dr. Robinson, now leads a perfectly normal life and is on her way to becoming a certified Physician Assistant in her home country.

Robinson, in addition to his Atlanta-based brain surgery practice as a resource for patients in the Southeastern U.S. travels abroad providing charitable care in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

Jim Robinson with a young patient at the Hospital Bloom in El Salvador Central America. Bloom is the country’s only Children’s Hospital and is public. Dr. Robinson goes there to assist the surgeons with difficult cases, and they have also allowed him to bring children there from neighboring countries there for surgery as well.

Jim with his young Honduran patient, Kevin, who he had operated on for an orbital mass. Taken while visiting Kevin and his family at their home in Honduras for a post op check. Kevin, who was previously not going to school due to his visible deformity is now a great student with many friends. They call him “The Mayor” in his village, because he is the only person who has travelled out of their country!

Dr. and Mrs. Robinson, founders of Beams of Hope Foundation, providing promise and care for the impoverished.

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Dorothy, before and after surgery.

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