A Mom In Need

For those of you that know my mom, Cyndie Baist, you know that she has never been the type that asks for help. But as her daughter, I know that at this moment in her life, she needs all the help that she can get from her friends and family. In addition, those of you that know me, know that I want to take care of everything for her. I would give my life to make this go away. I have determined that We cannot do this alone. She has recently started radiation for the brain tumors (yes, more than one) that have showed up out of nowhere after being in the clear for the last two years. To say the least, the news was a bit shocking. She is currently on week 3 of her radiation, which she will receive 5 days a week for a total of 6 weeks. Side effects are starting such as loss of hair, appetite, fatigue, etc. The good news- radiation is an option. Modern medicine has come so far and we are grateful that we can do radiation whereas some are not so fortunate. The bad news- we just found out a few days ago that Mom was denied short term disability. She will be out of work for a total of 4-6 months due to the side effects of radiation. Therefore, she will have NO INCOME from this point forward until she is able to return to work which is uncertain. This is a stress we WERE NOT EXPECTING. We have always held our own. We have always figured things out as they come, but this is more than we can handle. Therefore, I have created this GO FUND ME account because I get asked a lot, “what can I do?”. Well, before finding out she was denied short term disability, it seemed as if we could manage. Now, it’s a scary feeling not knowing what the future has in store. She has bills that she is going to need help with, she has a mortgage, a car payment, car insurance, electric bill, water bill, HEALTH insurance which she needs to continue to pay for to have radiation 5 days a week. If you can donate, even if only a small amount, we will be forever grateful. If you can’t donate, we completely understand. I can’t begin to tell you how hard this is for our family. My dad passed away last year which was the hardest thing I have ever experienced. I know he would be holding our hand every step of the way. My brothers live in NY and help as much as they possibility can, but I am here to watch as life keeps slamming her with obstacles over and over. The worst feeling, is having no control over the situation. I continue to pray to God and have faith that this is all a part of his plan. For those of you that DON’T know my mom, here is a little history of her story and how we got here: In Nov 2013 is when we first discovered the brain tumor and its size. Automatically the neurosurgeon booked the surgery for Jan 2014. Surgery was a success. The tumor had attached itself to her skull so they had to create a new one out of concrete and titanium, crazy right?!? They removed 95% of the tumor and we would continue to monitor for the remaining cells that were left behind. After brain surgery she was out of work for 10 weeks while recovering. In Feb 2016, we found out that the 5% left behind would start to grow leaving us with one option, radiation. She had one HIGH dose of radiation and we were sent on our way. She lost her hair, but she had her life so we continued to count our blessings. After radiation everything seemed to be moving in the right directions. Clear MRIs with the key word, NO ACTIVITY. We thought this would be a thing of the past and she could live her life telling stories as a “brain tumor warrior” which she continues to be every day. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Dec 2017, she goes for her normal MRI check-up and we are hit with the news, the word we dread, there is ACTIVITY. Multiple tumors have sprouted and now we must consider radiation AGAIN. Although this time, it’s a lot more involved. We met with the radiation doctor, who wants her to start 5 days a week for 6 weeks. This is news that no mom wants to hear. This is news, that no kid wants to watch their moms face and her eyes water in exhaustion. My mom has fought this diagnosis since day 1 as a warrior. She has worn that smile at times when I can see in her eyes that she is tired. I know she tells me she is fine, and she sit alone and cries. She is not just a mom, she is my mom. And if that means I must put my pride aside and ask for help then so be it. Until you are put in that kind of situation, you can’t truly understand the pain it leaves on your soul. The questions that you ask, “why me?” “why now?”. Sorry this is so long, I can continue on for hours telling you about the struggles we face daily but she never quits. She never gives up. On top of everything, she continues to have a strong positive attitude. She is the true definition of a Brain Tumor Warrior!