'It's unbelievable, we would never expect this': Waukesha teen battles brain cancer

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Waukesha North High School senior is beginning his long road to recovery after overcoming emergency brain surgery and being diagnosed with cancer.

"It's unbelievable, we would never expect this," said Karrie Wilkum, Connor's mom.

What started off as a normal senior year for 17-year-old Connor Wilkum took a turn when he started experiencing bad headaches.

"I was like oh my God this our worst day yet, because he has had very bad headaches on and off since November," said Karrie.

Last week Monday, Connor started slurring his words and having a seizure. At the hospital, doctors found a tumor and fluid in his brain taking him into emergency surgery.

Then during an eight-hour brain surgery Thursday, doctors were able to remove all of the tumor and later found it was cancerous.

"We had a 1% chance, we were holding on and she took us aside and told us we were going to come up with a plan," said Karrie.

In the span of one week, Connor -- who loves baseball, football and hanging with friends -- had his whole life turned upside down.

"He knows take it day by day," said Steve Wilkum, Connor's dad. "Sometimes he'll say hour by hour."

Still healing from surgery, Connor has a long road ahead. His community is showing their support raising more than $52,000 through GoFundMe.

"Just all the people that are willing to do that and help out it's great," said Connor's parents. "Never would have thought it. We feel very loved."

His siblings and closest friends taking it to the next level, shaving their heads in solidarity.

"Everyone would be looking at us and our bleached buzz hair," said Cooper Wilkum, Connor's brother. "Just kind of take the eyes off of Connor and make him feel comfortable."

His family, friends and community, ready to be there for him every step of the way.

"He such a role model to me," said Cooper.