A young Quesnel family is facing an uncertain road ahead after their baby son underwent major brain surgery to remove a large tumour.
Oscar, son of Jason and Taneesha Harper, was just weeks away from celebrating his first birthday when he was rushed for medical care after experiencing concerning symptoms. Doctors discovered a large tumour at the base of his brain that was blocking the flow of spinal fluid and causing dangerous pressure inside his head.
On June 2, 2026, Oscar was airlifted from Prince George to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, accompanied by his mother, Taneesha. His father, Jason, made the seven-and-a-half-hour drive south to join them.
Doctors quickly placed a drain to relieve the pressure on Oscar’s brain before conducting further tests to assess the tumour and determine a treatment plan.
The family learned the following day that the tumour was particularly large for a child Oscar’s age, was located near critical structures of the brain and extended toward his spine.
On June 4, Oscar underwent an 11-hour operation performed by a team of neurosurgeons.
Surgeons successfully removed approximately 80 per cent of the tumour, according to the family’s fundraiser. They also reported that Oscar was moving his arms and legs normally following the procedure.
While the surgery marked an important step forward, the family says there is still uncertainty surrounding Oscar’s condition.
Biopsy results are needed to determine the exact type of tumour and whether it is benign or malignant. The remaining portion of the tumour will also require further assessment as specialists determine the next steps in his treatment.
Oscar has since begun waking from sedation and is showing encouraging signs, including moving and looking around.
His recovery is expected to involve further treatment and an extended stay away from home.
With both parents remaining by his side in Vancouver, the situation has also created significant financial pressure for the young family.
Taneesha is currently on maternity leave, while Jason, who works as a millwright, is taking time away from work to focus on Oscar’s care. The family is also facing additional expenses related to travel, accommodations, meals, and future medical appointments.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help ease some of the financial burden on Jason and Taneesha, and to help them focus on their son’s recovery.
The campaign is currently at $12,428 out of the $13,000 goal at the time of writing.
On Oct. 29, Taneesha provided an update on Oscar’s battle. She says Oscar is continuing to recover from surgery, with the family weighing treatment options for the remaining 10 per cent of his tumour. In the meantime, Taneesha says that Oscar is working on regaining his strength through physical therapy and reintroducing food as the family awaits the results of a clinical trial on drugs that could be compatible with the type of tumor Oscar has; the results are expected in about 10 weeks.
As Oscar continues his recovery, the family is hoping for positive news in the weeks ahead.
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