For those of you who do not know, my name is Andrew and about a month ago I was diagnosed with a glioma in my spine; a malignant tumor. It was destroying my body by ruining all the connections that exist in the spine that control my motor functions. At one point my right arm was almost entirely paralyzed, my legs were weak, I couldn't go to the bathroom, and a number of other debilitating symptoms which were sure to eventually kill me. 

I had a spinal surgery in my cervical spine which was a major success and the tumor has been totally removed aside from microscopic bits. It's a bit over a month later and I'm recovering extremely well. Thanks to the help and support from my family, friends, and the medical team I've been able to keep looking forward and get stronger every day.

The strength in my arm is returning on a daily basis, my legs which after the surgery lost their normal sensation and the ability to stand or walk are quickly healing and I can now walk with a cane.

I started radiation which will go on for 6 weeks followed by chemo treatment to make sure the cells are gone and I don't have a regrowth.

Through this whole process my mother has taken off from work and has been helping me every day with everything and taking me to all my appointments and therapies. Her job has stopped paying her until she returns to work but because I'm not fully capable of being independant that can't happen yet.

The hospital bill was just under $1000 which is not so bad considering what it was before insurance, but for my mother who isn't working right now it's a large amount of money. Not to mention the copays for every doctor visit and therapy she pays.

If you're able to donate just a little bit of money it would go a very long way to helping my mom and my family. Thank you for taking your time to read this.