Donation protected
Hi, we’re Casey and Jason Klobusnik. We’re here on behalf of our mother, Susan Van Slyke who was recently submitted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. for a Grade II brain tumor. Her story shows how quickly lives can change; how faith inspires in the worst of times, help comes from unknown places, and family comes together.
Doctor’s have now told my family that Sue’s tumor has been growing there for years, whilst benign, it can regrow once removed. The swelling from the tumor increased pressure on her brain which caused her unresolved symptoms this past year. Also, over the past year, she has been experiencing chronic headaches and vomiting since January. Upon moving back to Erie, Pa., I have assisted my brother with taking her to hospital visits. We have seen gastroenterologists and psychiatrists in attempts to get her help, but each time she was seen it was diagnosed as something else. We fought to help her with depression/ anxiety as we believed surely this was another cause.
The Unspeakable Gift
Then on Sunday morning, November 22nd, Sue collapsed while at home and hit her head. We took her to the hospital in Erie and a CT scan was performed where they initially found a mass. On Sunday, an MRI confirmed a golf ball sized brain tumor and our journey began. She was taken from Erie and transported to Pittsburgh. Surgery was performed Monday. Week 1: The surgery went well and according to plan. The tumor was fully removed, but it was attached to a main artery in the brain. She was in a state of semi consciousness and was not responding to verbal commands all week. Week 2: Due to increased pressure in her brain, a piece of bone was removed. A major setback for the week. During the two weeks, she has had fevers, mini-strokes and seizures. Week 3: She will receive a trach but currently has an infection she is fighting.
Currently, Jason and I are traveling back and forth to Pittsburgh to visit our mom. She is currently in a semi-coma state. We sit with her for hours attempting to speak to her and hoping to see the life in her eyes. Her recovery will be long, as she is still in the ICU going on three weeks. We do not know the extent of her physical or mental state until she wakes up and responds. Her prognosis and severity of the damage from the mini-strokes is unknown.
This GoFundMe has been created to ease the financial strain that fighting this brain tumor has been on Susan and her family. It will go towards medical and traveling expenses, and anything else that we need. I would like for people to support my mother, Susan, as a way of encouragement, hope, and love for her as she has done the same over the years to all the family and friends in her life.
This site will allow us to reach out with updates for her towards those who know her as a family member, friend, co-worker, classmate, and neighbor.
Personally, I want to share this story for others to know that the unexpected can happen but you will always have support. This is a story to push boundaries emotionally and physically. My brother and I are still in our 20’s and face decisions many would not expect. God never gives us more than we can handle or are tempted against without a means of a way out. We thank you for your financial support, but most of all, we thank you for your prayers!!
Sincerely,
Casey Klobusnik & Jason Klobusnik
Doctor’s have now told my family that Sue’s tumor has been growing there for years, whilst benign, it can regrow once removed. The swelling from the tumor increased pressure on her brain which caused her unresolved symptoms this past year. Also, over the past year, she has been experiencing chronic headaches and vomiting since January. Upon moving back to Erie, Pa., I have assisted my brother with taking her to hospital visits. We have seen gastroenterologists and psychiatrists in attempts to get her help, but each time she was seen it was diagnosed as something else. We fought to help her with depression/ anxiety as we believed surely this was another cause.
The Unspeakable Gift
Then on Sunday morning, November 22nd, Sue collapsed while at home and hit her head. We took her to the hospital in Erie and a CT scan was performed where they initially found a mass. On Sunday, an MRI confirmed a golf ball sized brain tumor and our journey began. She was taken from Erie and transported to Pittsburgh. Surgery was performed Monday. Week 1: The surgery went well and according to plan. The tumor was fully removed, but it was attached to a main artery in the brain. She was in a state of semi consciousness and was not responding to verbal commands all week. Week 2: Due to increased pressure in her brain, a piece of bone was removed. A major setback for the week. During the two weeks, she has had fevers, mini-strokes and seizures. Week 3: She will receive a trach but currently has an infection she is fighting.
Currently, Jason and I are traveling back and forth to Pittsburgh to visit our mom. She is currently in a semi-coma state. We sit with her for hours attempting to speak to her and hoping to see the life in her eyes. Her recovery will be long, as she is still in the ICU going on three weeks. We do not know the extent of her physical or mental state until she wakes up and responds. Her prognosis and severity of the damage from the mini-strokes is unknown.
This GoFundMe has been created to ease the financial strain that fighting this brain tumor has been on Susan and her family. It will go towards medical and traveling expenses, and anything else that we need. I would like for people to support my mother, Susan, as a way of encouragement, hope, and love for her as she has done the same over the years to all the family and friends in her life.
This site will allow us to reach out with updates for her towards those who know her as a family member, friend, co-worker, classmate, and neighbor.
Personally, I want to share this story for others to know that the unexpected can happen but you will always have support. This is a story to push boundaries emotionally and physically. My brother and I are still in our 20’s and face decisions many would not expect. God never gives us more than we can handle or are tempted against without a means of a way out. We thank you for your financial support, but most of all, we thank you for your prayers!!
Sincerely,
Casey Klobusnik & Jason Klobusnik
Organizer and beneficiary
Casey Klobusnik
Organizer
Springfield Township, PA
Joi Van Slyke
Beneficiary