UGA Senior Diagnosed With Brain Tumor After Spring Break Trip

JACKSONVILLE, FLA — A University of Georgia senior who suffered brain hemorrhage while on spring break in Mexico has officially been diagnosed with a brain tumor near her brain stem, according to the family.

Liza Burke and her friends were in Cabo San Lucas, where she was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation. Burke was put on life support after she complained of a headache and began being treated by doctors in Mexico. She was flown to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., for treatment in mid-March.

A GoFundMe has been established for Burke and has raised more than $143,000 for the UGA senior, surpassing its goal of $40,000. Burke's mother, Laura McKeithan, and the GoFundMe organizer, Jennifer Ritter, have provided updates on Burke's health via the GoFundMe.

Ritter said the brain hemorrhage is not a result of arteriovenous malformation but came from a brain tumor.

"We had a successful biopsy yesterday and the pathology team is working to determine exactly what we are dealing with," she wrote on March 24.

McKeithan said the tumor was likely dormant for several years before becoming aggressive in a short amount of time. Burke was set to begin 30 sessions of radiation treatment this past Monday.

"There are potential side effects but well worth the risk given the rapid growth," McKeithan wrote. "Currently, Liza is breathing on her own, but until she responds to our commands (toe wiggle, hand squeeze), the doctors are reluctant to remove the vent. Please pray for her responsiveness and her fighting spirit. She's the leader in this fight, but we are her warriors marching into battle with her."

Anyone who wishes to send a note of encouragement can do so by sending it to the Mayo Clinic at the attention of Burke.

Patch is a promotional GoFundMe partner.