KAJ

Posted: Feb 8, 2010 6:46 AM
Updated: Feb 9, 2010 11:23 AM

Any parent would worry if their child had to have brain surgery, but one Missoula family is embracing the opportunity because after a hard fought battle, the operation their son is about to have has the potential to change his life.

17-year old Jesse Jensen is lucky, his family loves him unconditionally. Jesse has Tourette's Syndrome and is on the journey of his life at the Mayo clinic, preparing to have a brain surgery that could help his brain control his often violent ticks.

"I can control them for about an hour or so, and then I let them rip" Jesse told us.

Video games, including dance revolution, keep his brain busy, distracted even from the storm inside. When he was seven, Jesse started hiccuping. It went on for more than a week and that's when doctors diagnosed him with Tourette's.

It's now getting worse, and the many drugs he takes are damaging his liver. Doctors once injected his neck with 25 Botox shots to stop the violent ticks that were twisting his vertebra. That didn't work, so in desperation, the family flew to the Mayo Clinic, praying someone would help them.

"He was desperate and that's not like him. He's a trooper, but couldn't take it any more. I wrote the letter of my life to the doctor and poured my heart out" explained Jesse's mom, Nancy Jensen.

Not only did Mayo Clinic doctors see Jesse, they're paying for surgery. The procedure might only make a 10% difference, but Jesse wants his life to start, "I think it will be better because I can get an education and maybe even drive".

Jesse is at the clinic now where doctors are weaning him off his medications and hopes to have the surgery Wednesday. He's also undergoing genetic testing to help pinpoint, which drugs will work best for him. You can keep up with him by clicking here.