Ashlyn’s Medical Expenses

These past two weeks have been quite eventful for our family. Our sister Ashlyn was admitted to the hospital to undergo brain surgery. This event came as a shock to all of us and appeared to have happened quite suddenly. The reality was, it was not as sudden as we thought.

About six months ago, Ashlyn started having migraines that increased in intensity, sending her to several doctors and finally the ER. Upon arriving at the ER, they found the reason for the pain. A ping-pong ball-sized cyst, surrounded by a mass of tumor cells, was found on the left side of her brain. The neurosurgeon gave a 1-2 years life expectancy and painted a realistic, bleak prognosis. She recently underwent surgery to remove the tumor and cyst, and they were able to remove it and the mass around it. It was great news and left us feeling just quite a bit more hopeful. She still has a second mass on the same side that they will need to go in and remove and will likely be followed by chemotherapy and numerous medical treatments to get rid of remaining cancer.

This experience is especially poignant and challenging, given that Brycen's mother passed away two years ago from a ten-year battle with cancer. As is common with cancer and medical procedures of this nature, the medical bills associated with them are astronomically high. Additionally, their current insurance is only a temporary plan that does not offer long term coverage for this type of medical event. Ashlyn's optimism has been nothing short of amazing. One hospital employee commented that she was the most chipper patient he had seen on the neuro floor and asked what she was there for. "A brain tumor. Lol", she replied. Many nurses echoed the same sentiment, stating that Ashlyn thanked all of them many times for the care they provided her, each attesting to her sweet nature and positive attitude.

Ashlyn and Brycen are full of faith, hope, and knowledge of God's awareness of them and their current situation. Her prognosis sounds bleak, but her/our faith and hope are great. Ash wants people not to feel sad since she is now feeling great! Though everyone processes grief differently, there is no need for tears as she feels such optimism and faith in a long life ahead of her.

If you have the ability to donate, whatever amount, we would be forever grateful.