Community

In Tomball, where baseball seasons often mark the rhythm of family life, the Tomball Little League community is now rallying around something far more personal than a game.

A former player, now a high school junior, is facing a serious and rare brain tumor diagnosis—one that has deeply impacted not only his health, but also a family that many in the league know well. His younger brother, Nicky, is currently a Senior division player, and their father has long been a familiar presence as a dedicated coach.

For families who spend evenings at the Wayne Stovall Sports Complex, this moment has shifted from cheering in the stands to showing up in a different, more meaningful way.

Tomball Little League shared a message calling on families and friends to support Jacob, noting that the same family who has given so much to the league now needs the community behind them.

A Rare Diagnosis That Began Years Ago

Jacob’s journey began years earlier, when he was just 10 years old.

“Jacob is my son, my whole world, and that world shattered when at just ten years old he developed a brain tumor on his pituitary gland,” shared his mother, Elizabeth Carley.

The tumor—identified as Crooke Cell Adenoma (CCA)—is not only serious, but exceptionally rare.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Crooke Cell Adenomas account for less than 1% of all pituitary adenomas worldwide and are considered an aggressive subtype that can invade surrounding brain structures and recur even after treatment. These tumors affect the pituitary gland, often disrupting critical hormone production that regulates growth, metabolism, and stress response.

For Jacob, the long-term effects have been life-altering.

“His thyroid no longer functions, he is unable to produce his own cortisol, and he cannot produce growth hormone,” she explained.

Even with ongoing treatment, his condition has required constant management—and resilience.

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Facing Surgery Again—And Holding Onto Hope

Now a teenager, Jacob is once again facing the realities of this rare condition.

After a recent MRI revealed that the tumor had returned, he underwent another neurosurgery—an experience that highlights how persistent and aggressive Crooke Cell Adenomas can be.

“After Jacob’s most recent MRI, we learned the tumor had grown back and he would need neurosurgery again to remove it,” Carley said.

Despite the seriousness of his condition, moments of hope are beginning to emerge.

Following surgery, Jacob has been able to return home, where recovery—while still fragile—is underway. His family describes small but meaningful signs of progress, from much-needed rest to glimpses of his personality returning.

“Every minute we see him returning to his old self,” Carley shared in a recent update.

For families who have spent time in hospitals, these small milestones often carry the greatest weight.

Why Community Support Matters in Long-Term Medical Journeys

For many families navigating rare pediatric conditions like Crooke Cell Adenoma, the financial and emotional toll doesn’t end after the first diagnosis—it often continues for years.

The American Brain Tumor Association notes that brain tumors are among the leading causes of cancer-related death in children, and treatment frequently involves repeated surgeries, long-term hormone therapy, imaging, and rehabilitation. Even with insurance, costs can quickly escalate due to specialized care and ongoing treatment needs over time.

Jacob’s family is now facing those realities again.

“The costs of Jacob’s hospital bills and ongoing medical care are significant, and every bit of support will go directly to his treatment and recovery,” Carley shared.

For communities like Tomball, this is where local connection becomes powerful. Fundraisers, shared posts, prayers, and simple acts of support can help ease both the financial burden and the emotional weight families carry.

A League Built on More Than Baseball

Tomball Little League, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served local youth for over 50 years, has always emphasized more than just the game. With players ages 4 to 16 participating each season, the league is rooted in teamwork, sportsmanship, and community connection.

Moments like this bring that mission into sharper focus.

What happens on the field—encouragement, resilience, showing up for teammates—extends far beyond it.

For many families, Jacob’s story is a reminder that the bonds built through youth sports don’t end when the season does. They carry into real life, especially when it matters most.

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How Tomball Residents Can Help

The Tomball Little League community is encouraging residents to support Jacob and his family in any way they can—whether through donations, sharing his story, or keeping the family in their thoughts.

In situations like this, even small actions can have a meaningful impact.

For those looking to contribute, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover medical expenses and ongoing care needs as Jacob continues his recovery.

What Happens Next

Jacob’s journey is ongoing, and like many families facing rare medical conditions, the road ahead includes continued monitoring, treatment, and recovery.

But within Tomball, one thing is already clear: he is not facing it alone.

As updates continue, the strength of this community—built through years of shared seasons, practices, and friendships—is now being felt in a new and deeply personal way.

For more local updates and stories that matter to Tomball families, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.