Here's additional detail from Rhonda, Logan's mom. Updated 12/31/07 9:07am

I first of all want to say thank YOU to all of YOU who are keeping Logan in their thoughts and prayers. I honestly cannot imagine how we would be making it through this ordeal without the support of everyone.Secondly, I would like to fill everyone in on Logan's particular type of tumor. The doctors are hoping that it is in fact a Craniopharynginoma. This would almost guarantee (97%) that it is benign. This is a good thing. HOWEVER...even if it is, Logan's is "exceptionailly complicated" according to his surgeon, Dr. Reid Thompson. It has attached itself to the carotid artery and has completely encompassed the "stalk" (the part that connects the brain to the pituitary gland). It has also flattened the optic nerve.
All of this basically meaning:

• A: if it has "stuck" itself to the carotid artery, they will have to leave that portion behind (radiation will become necessary)
• B: the "stalk" (which will have to be completely removed) represents the only connection between the brain and the pituitary gland. This means that Logan will most likely suffer from many hormone, steriod, testosterone, metabolism, fluid level and "a whole laundry list of health issues" due to the surgery
• C: and there is a very good chance he could lose all sight in his right eye, therefore ending his football dreams. we of course are hoping that this will not be the case but we are preparing ourselves for the worst. (not that we expect this)Having said that...it is correct that the surgery CAN be performed in a "non-invasvise" manor, however, Logan's has proven to be "difficult". He will have the entire right side of his head open so that the surgeon can see EVERYTHING.

We know we have a long road ahead of us but we DO BELIEVE that he will come out a "winner". Without the love/prayers/support of the ENTIRE Indiana community...I do not know how we would get through this. The entire experience, to date, has been very touching and humbling. We are forever indebted to each and every one of you. Thank you,Rhonda Dame, Logan's "mommy"

Updated 12/28/07
A fund raising event is planned for Logan and his family at Castle High School, Sunday, January 6th, from 12-6pm. The event is a Rock-A-Thon, so bring your rocking chairs and rock to live music by “Deaf Megan .” All donations will go the Logan Dame Fund at Fifth Third Bank to help with medical expenses. There will be prizes and raffles awarded, food and drinks available, and t-shirts for $10 and wristbands for $2. Bring your friends and Rock Out! Print out the Donation Sheet and the Information Sheet. T-shirts and wristbands can also be purchased at CHS on Friday (1/5) in the cafeteria at lunch and at the basketball games at CHS on Sat., Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 8.
A message has been added to the Indiana Gridiron Digest Forum web site for Logan. You can read the posted notes from the Indiana football community by clicking on the following link. Gridiron Digest.

Updated 12/27/07, 9:30am
Yesterday’s results proved conclusive that Logan will be undergoing surgery on Jan. 9, at 7:30am at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Reid Thompson who was recommended to the Dame’s by Doug and Krista Hurt. At this point, it looks very positive that the tumor is benign but tests will be run following the surgery. The surgery is expected to last approximately 7 hours and Logan will be fully sedated. He will then be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for approximately 3 days. The ICU is considered an open unit which allows visitors other than family to visit for extended periods of time. Logan is expected to be in the hospital for a week.
The type of tumor in Logan’s brain is called a Craniopharyngioma. “These tumors can occur in the region of the pituitary gland and can grow to put pressure on the optic nerves. Patients may have loss of vision of endocrine problems. The can occur in children as well adults. This treatment is very specialized and usually involves surgery with or without radiation.” (Taken from Vanderbilt Brain Tumor Center web site) It is believed that Logan has had the tumor since birth but it has recently grown so that it now is putting pressure on the optic nerve. Thus, Logan’s sight in his right eye has been deteriorating, and recently, at a rapid pace.
The outpouring of support and love the family has received has been overwhelming. The Dame’s appreciate all of your prayers and encouragement. We are working on a web site/blog that will enable notes to be sent to Logan and the Dame’s online.
A student fund raiser is being planned to help the Dames with the anticipated expenses. Look for more information coming soon.

Updated 12/25/07 9pm
Junior, Logan Dame (#87), a member of the class of 2009, recently found out that he has a brain tumor. He and his family will be seeing a specialist at Vanderbilt on Wednesday 12/26 to determine available options they have with initial indications that the tumor is operable. Tentatively, surgery at Vanderbilt is scheduled for January 9th. Although shaken by this sudden event, Logan is in good spirits with the help of his family and friends and is confident that all will work out over the coming weeks. The Castle family needs to keep Logan in its thoughts and prayers and this website will continue to keep everyone updated.