Eradicating My Oligodendroglioma (Brain Cancer)
Donation protected
Hi! My name is Heather Medlin and I am a mother of three beautiful children. My oldest, Koby, recently graduated from high school, and I have two daughters: Kerrington (she turns 3 in August), and Kinsley (she turns a year in July). I am a part time elementary school teacher in Evans, Georgia, where I work with students who struggle in math and reading. I just concluded my 12th year of teaching, where I ended the year on FMLA. Teaching is my passion and helping students become successful brings me great joy.
On March 13, 2019, I was told I had a brain tumor after a CT scan in the emergency room. What led me there, was bumping my head in the attic while taking blood thinners (as a result of my blood clots and pulmonary embolisms that were diagnosed on August 13, 2018). I went to the ER after developing a headache and wanted to be sure I did not have a concussion or brain bleed before going to bed that night. Thankfully, I was cleared of both. However, little did I know, my life was about to CHANGE, dramatically. Initially, I was told by multiple doctors that my tumor was benign and there was nothing to really worry about. Within a couple of weeks another MRI was scheduled, which apparently raised concern and prompted my neurosurgeon to want to do a craniotomy rather quickly. On April 18, 2019, after the initial resection, a portion of my tumor was sent to pathology immediately, and the results were not what anyone desires to hear. Upon waking, I heard the dreaded words "You have cancer." After 22 days of waiting for pathology, it was determined that I have an Oligodendroglioma (a form of brain cancer that can only be managed through treatment and almost always has recurrences).
A little background about my desire to help and serve those with cancer: I served as our school's Relay for Life Team Captain for five years. Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society. Under my leadership as Team Captain, our school raised well over $100,000. As an individual, I've easily raised over $35,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Relay for Life. As a result of our successful fundraising, an ACS personnel asked me if I would serve as the Event Lead of Fundraising on the County Committee. I gladly accepted the honor as I want to do as much as I can to make a difference in the lives of people with cancer. Having seen so many people battle cancer, I always said that I didn't think I would do chemo and/or radiation if I had cancer. However, I NEVER thought I would actually be faced with that decision. But, here I am.
Currently, I am looking into alternative forms of treatment with Williams Cancer Institute. Their image-guided cancer ablation targets the tumor from within it. In addition, immunotherapy drugs will be used to treat my Oligodendroglioma. Combining both therapies typically provides three to five times GREATER cancer survival and success. If you'd like to read or learn more about this groundbreaking cancer treatment, please visit williamscancerinstitute.com. This treatment is on its way to being engaged in a clinical trial! While I truly believe this treatment provides the best possible outcome for me and my family, it is unfortunately not covered by insurance as the drugs are FDA approved, but used in an "off label" manner; therefore, treatment will be outside of the United States, requiring me to travel to Mexico City, Mexico. This treatment can cost as little as $40,000 and as much as $70,000 PLUS the cost of travel, lodging and food for each visit to Mexico City. Lastly, each hospital stay there can cost anywhere from $3,000-$5,000. I know everyone will not support or encourage me seeking treatment outside of the U.S., and the cost is astronomical for a middle class family; however, I've researched multiple modalities and this is where God has led me to pursue for the best outcome. At this point, it is not just MY cancer journey, but my family's as well. I want to be here to see my girls grow up and see my son, Koby, become successful, happy and watch them with their families, for many years to come.
Initially, I am only requesting a modest amount of money to help cover current medical expenses (many that have already incurred), until I am able to know exactly what to expect after my post-op MRI in the middle of July, which will help me determine how to proceed. I am hopeful for best case scenario in that the tumor and cancer are a thing of the past. However, Oligodendrogliomas are simply a cancer that you manage through a realm of therapies, treatments and quarterly MRIs, typically.
If you feel led to contribute, please know our family will be extremely appreciative of your generosity. Thank you for your love, support, thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this treacherous journey of cancer. <3
On March 13, 2019, I was told I had a brain tumor after a CT scan in the emergency room. What led me there, was bumping my head in the attic while taking blood thinners (as a result of my blood clots and pulmonary embolisms that were diagnosed on August 13, 2018). I went to the ER after developing a headache and wanted to be sure I did not have a concussion or brain bleed before going to bed that night. Thankfully, I was cleared of both. However, little did I know, my life was about to CHANGE, dramatically. Initially, I was told by multiple doctors that my tumor was benign and there was nothing to really worry about. Within a couple of weeks another MRI was scheduled, which apparently raised concern and prompted my neurosurgeon to want to do a craniotomy rather quickly. On April 18, 2019, after the initial resection, a portion of my tumor was sent to pathology immediately, and the results were not what anyone desires to hear. Upon waking, I heard the dreaded words "You have cancer." After 22 days of waiting for pathology, it was determined that I have an Oligodendroglioma (a form of brain cancer that can only be managed through treatment and almost always has recurrences).
A little background about my desire to help and serve those with cancer: I served as our school's Relay for Life Team Captain for five years. Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society. Under my leadership as Team Captain, our school raised well over $100,000. As an individual, I've easily raised over $35,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Relay for Life. As a result of our successful fundraising, an ACS personnel asked me if I would serve as the Event Lead of Fundraising on the County Committee. I gladly accepted the honor as I want to do as much as I can to make a difference in the lives of people with cancer. Having seen so many people battle cancer, I always said that I didn't think I would do chemo and/or radiation if I had cancer. However, I NEVER thought I would actually be faced with that decision. But, here I am.
Currently, I am looking into alternative forms of treatment with Williams Cancer Institute. Their image-guided cancer ablation targets the tumor from within it. In addition, immunotherapy drugs will be used to treat my Oligodendroglioma. Combining both therapies typically provides three to five times GREATER cancer survival and success. If you'd like to read or learn more about this groundbreaking cancer treatment, please visit williamscancerinstitute.com. This treatment is on its way to being engaged in a clinical trial! While I truly believe this treatment provides the best possible outcome for me and my family, it is unfortunately not covered by insurance as the drugs are FDA approved, but used in an "off label" manner; therefore, treatment will be outside of the United States, requiring me to travel to Mexico City, Mexico. This treatment can cost as little as $40,000 and as much as $70,000 PLUS the cost of travel, lodging and food for each visit to Mexico City. Lastly, each hospital stay there can cost anywhere from $3,000-$5,000. I know everyone will not support or encourage me seeking treatment outside of the U.S., and the cost is astronomical for a middle class family; however, I've researched multiple modalities and this is where God has led me to pursue for the best outcome. At this point, it is not just MY cancer journey, but my family's as well. I want to be here to see my girls grow up and see my son, Koby, become successful, happy and watch them with their families, for many years to come.
Initially, I am only requesting a modest amount of money to help cover current medical expenses (many that have already incurred), until I am able to know exactly what to expect after my post-op MRI in the middle of July, which will help me determine how to proceed. I am hopeful for best case scenario in that the tumor and cancer are a thing of the past. However, Oligodendrogliomas are simply a cancer that you manage through a realm of therapies, treatments and quarterly MRIs, typically.
If you feel led to contribute, please know our family will be extremely appreciative of your generosity. Thank you for your love, support, thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this treacherous journey of cancer. <3
Fundraising team (2)
Heather Spring Medlin
Organizer
Evans, GA
Kalyka Abraham
Team member
