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My name is Mackenzie Burke and I am hosting this fundraiser to benefit my cousin, Mikayla Ellermann. Mikayla has lived and worked in Roseville, CA for the past year.
Mikayla was was born with neurofibromatosis (NF1.) Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. There is no cure for this disorder. Treatment typically includes management of related symptoms and complications resulting from tumors.
When Mikayla was 5, a tumor was found on her optic nerve. Due to its location, surgery was not an option. She had chemo and radiation to stop growth, but the tumor has left her legally blind. This disability has not stopped her from becoming a strong, independent, and hard-working young adult.
Mikayla is now 22 years old. A few days ago, she was taken to ER for unresponsiveness. The hospital admitted to ICU and found hydrocephalous (build up of fluid in the brain.) She was diagnosed with a mid-brain glioma tumor. Due to its shape and location, the tumor is non operative. She has just had a permanent shunt placed to relieve the fluid pressure.
Her family will be discussing radiation treatment with doctors very soon and will be contacting organizations, such as St. Jude's, that are proficient in matters related to NF to explore other options, such as experimental drugs.
At this time, Makayla's future is unknown. Her family hopes treatment will prolong her life and keep her comfortable.
Funds will be used to offset medical expenses, travel, and replacement of wages (Mikayla is unable to work at this time.) Her mother has taken a temporary, unpaid leave of absence from her job in Montana to be close to Mikayla in Roseville. Mikayla's big brother, Tyler has been a tremendous amount of support while both working and attending school full-time.
Mikayla has gone though a lot and has a positive attitude. Her friends and family describe her as independent, loving, giving, and seeing the world as glass half-full. She lives life as it comes and overcomes every hurdle with grace.
Donations and prayers are appreciated. If you have any questions, feel free to contact her mother, Shelley Fortney-Ellermann at [email redacted].
Mikayla,9/10/20.
Mikayla and mother, Shelley Ellermann, 9/10/20.
Mikayla was was born with neurofibromatosis (NF1.) Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. There is no cure for this disorder. Treatment typically includes management of related symptoms and complications resulting from tumors.
When Mikayla was 5, a tumor was found on her optic nerve. Due to its location, surgery was not an option. She had chemo and radiation to stop growth, but the tumor has left her legally blind. This disability has not stopped her from becoming a strong, independent, and hard-working young adult.
Mikayla is now 22 years old. A few days ago, she was taken to ER for unresponsiveness. The hospital admitted to ICU and found hydrocephalous (build up of fluid in the brain.) She was diagnosed with a mid-brain glioma tumor. Due to its shape and location, the tumor is non operative. She has just had a permanent shunt placed to relieve the fluid pressure.
Her family will be discussing radiation treatment with doctors very soon and will be contacting organizations, such as St. Jude's, that are proficient in matters related to NF to explore other options, such as experimental drugs.
At this time, Makayla's future is unknown. Her family hopes treatment will prolong her life and keep her comfortable.
Funds will be used to offset medical expenses, travel, and replacement of wages (Mikayla is unable to work at this time.) Her mother has taken a temporary, unpaid leave of absence from her job in Montana to be close to Mikayla in Roseville. Mikayla's big brother, Tyler has been a tremendous amount of support while both working and attending school full-time.
Mikayla has gone though a lot and has a positive attitude. Her friends and family describe her as independent, loving, giving, and seeing the world as glass half-full. She lives life as it comes and overcomes every hurdle with grace.
Donations and prayers are appreciated. If you have any questions, feel free to contact her mother, Shelley Fortney-Ellermann at [email redacted].
Mikayla,9/10/20.Mikayla and mother, Shelley Ellermann, 9/10/20.Organizer and beneficiary
Shelley Ellermann
Beneficiary