Brain Tumor Fund for Mother of 5
Donation protected
Recently my sister Kristen (KJ) – a single mother of five - was diagnosed with a sizeable brain tumor – it must be removed. Please help us help her.
For several years I have watched my sister Kristen go through bouts of severe migraines and vertigo, but she always figured that was just to be expected. See, Kristen is a single mother of 5 beautiful kids, as well as her animals that she so lovingly cares for. In order to support them she has worked 3 jobs simultaneously for years, and tries picking up as many shifts as possible to build towards security for her family’s future. It seemed reasonable that the physical stress would bring on these symptoms, until she began to notice vision loss and increased severity and frequency of the headaches and realized there was something more happening. An MRI revealed the diagnosis of a macroadenoma – a sizeable tumor believed to be benign which is good but non-secreting which requires surgical removal. The doctors believe it is benign but will not truly know until the tumor is removed. They have noted that the tumor seems to have hemorrhaged previously, and is at risk of doing so again. If the tumor is not removed, it will eventually lead to a loss of vision and possibly worse if another hemorrhage occurs. This tumor being removed is now not only essential for Kristen’s survival, but that of her 5 children as well.
This was shocking news to all of our family, but couldn’t be more alarming for Kristen. She is the sole supporter and only reason her children are able to have food on their table and a roof over their heads. Down time from this surgery will be significant, and there will be a lot of after surgery care needed. Even with her insurance, the out of pocket costs are growing quickly. The combination of mounting medical costs, as well as missing so much work, mean that there will be no support for her kids, which is her main concern while she is undergoing this procedure. Any disability payments will only bring in a small percentage of the usual income.
Our family wishes to help in any way we can, but we are also painfully aware that we can use all of the help we can receive. This tumor has to be removed whether we can afford the bills or not. Leaving it in is not an option. Although we cannot afford this on our own, we know that it can be done with some help, and we will try whatever we can so that my sister and her children will have a future. Please, help my sister. Help her so that she can continue to be the outgoing, dedicated, passionate, and loving mother, sister, and friend that she is.
We are asking everyone we know and calling upon all of our resources to help spread the word in the hopes that we can raise money to help cover the costs of her surgery, treatment, continued care and any other expenses associated with her medical condition.
Thank you so much to all of those who are able to help in any way. Words cannot explain our heartfelt gratitude towards your goodwill. I will keep this page updated as Kristen keeps battling this tumor, and will post updates on the procedures when known.
For several years I have watched my sister Kristen go through bouts of severe migraines and vertigo, but she always figured that was just to be expected. See, Kristen is a single mother of 5 beautiful kids, as well as her animals that she so lovingly cares for. In order to support them she has worked 3 jobs simultaneously for years, and tries picking up as many shifts as possible to build towards security for her family’s future. It seemed reasonable that the physical stress would bring on these symptoms, until she began to notice vision loss and increased severity and frequency of the headaches and realized there was something more happening. An MRI revealed the diagnosis of a macroadenoma – a sizeable tumor believed to be benign which is good but non-secreting which requires surgical removal. The doctors believe it is benign but will not truly know until the tumor is removed. They have noted that the tumor seems to have hemorrhaged previously, and is at risk of doing so again. If the tumor is not removed, it will eventually lead to a loss of vision and possibly worse if another hemorrhage occurs. This tumor being removed is now not only essential for Kristen’s survival, but that of her 5 children as well.
This was shocking news to all of our family, but couldn’t be more alarming for Kristen. She is the sole supporter and only reason her children are able to have food on their table and a roof over their heads. Down time from this surgery will be significant, and there will be a lot of after surgery care needed. Even with her insurance, the out of pocket costs are growing quickly. The combination of mounting medical costs, as well as missing so much work, mean that there will be no support for her kids, which is her main concern while she is undergoing this procedure. Any disability payments will only bring in a small percentage of the usual income.
Our family wishes to help in any way we can, but we are also painfully aware that we can use all of the help we can receive. This tumor has to be removed whether we can afford the bills or not. Leaving it in is not an option. Although we cannot afford this on our own, we know that it can be done with some help, and we will try whatever we can so that my sister and her children will have a future. Please, help my sister. Help her so that she can continue to be the outgoing, dedicated, passionate, and loving mother, sister, and friend that she is.
We are asking everyone we know and calling upon all of our resources to help spread the word in the hopes that we can raise money to help cover the costs of her surgery, treatment, continued care and any other expenses associated with her medical condition.
Thank you so much to all of those who are able to help in any way. Words cannot explain our heartfelt gratitude towards your goodwill. I will keep this page updated as Kristen keeps battling this tumor, and will post updates on the procedures when known.
Organizer and beneficiary
Philip Caltabiano
Organizer
Brea, CA
Kristen Duron
Beneficiary
