Caring for Craig While He Fights Brain Cancer!

I am starting a Go Fund Me Page for my brother, Craig Prickett. Craig had been sick on and off for a while and was getting severe headaches. He collapsed almost 7 months ago after he got home from work. His wife took him to the nearest hospital where they transferred him to Theda Clark in Neenah, WI and he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had surgery Jun 1 where they removed around 50% of the tumor and sent it off to pathology. A follow-up MRI almost 2 months later showed regrowth. He went back for surgery on Aug 31 where the neurosurgeon removed nearly the entire tumor. He completed physical therapy in the months following and was hoping he would be back to work at Oshkosh Truck where he has been a welder for many years. Unfortunately, Craig’s follow-up MRI last Wednesday indicated his tumor has grown back and is now bigger than what was removed in the last surgery.

His tumor was diagnosed as a Pilocytic Astrocytoma. It is a tumor that is more common in children and not much is known about its presence in adults. Though low-grade tumors are known to be very slow growing (if it decides to grow at all), Craig’s tumor is very aggressive and his neurosurgeon is baffled. He has been referred to a new neuro team in Madison, WI where he will have his first appointment tomorrow (Dec 6). We have no idea where they will decide to go from here. (We will provide an update after his appointment.)

Craig has been married to Kim for almost 35 years and together they have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. He served in the Army and is a kind, considerate, funny, and caring man. He would not hesitate to give a stranger the shirt off of his back. His family is his world. He was hoping to go to San Antonio, TX for Christmas to see his oldest daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. With his tumor growing at the rate it is, he was told he cannot travel. His whole life has changed. Whatever the next step is will happen fast to try and stop his tumor from growing.

Craig has not worked since May. Kim has been the sole income provider for them. Kim does not make nearly enough to keep up with everyday living expenses and medical bills. She exhausts her PTO to help Craig with appointments and be present with him during surgeries and recovery. Craig will likely not return to work.

I am starting this fund to help them financially so that they can focus on getting the medical treatment Craig needs quickly. Please donate to help Craig and his family to be able to pay his medical bills and his living expenses. Anything is appreciated.