When local 5-year-old Jaden Veiga’s parents took him to the doctor just before Christmas last year, they thought he just needed glasses. What they discovered was that Jaden had a brain tumor and hydrocephalus (an abnormal accumulation of cerebral fluid on his brain). Jaden underwent a five-hour surgery in which half of the tumor was successfully removed. The boy lost sight in one eye from damage to the optic nerve and is in danger of losing sight in the other eye. His family is traveling to Stanford Medical Center in California for chemotherapy and Jaden has a permanent shunt in place to drain the water on his brain, a permanent feeding tube and takes medication every three hours.

To help with the mounting medical bills, northern Nevada Chili’s restaurants will hold a fundraiser on Monday during which 10 percent of meals purchased will be donated to the Veiga family. Call 884-2539 or 527-2781 to ask for a flier to bring to the restaurant to ensure the money goes to Jaden’s family. Also, on March 27 from 2 to 7 p.m. a spaghetti feed will be held at Bouncerz Indoor Party Center, 3267 Research Way in Reno, to raise funds. Direct donations can be made at any U.S. Bank location with a deposit to the account of Jaden Veiga (account number 153754034822).