My name is Julie Stafford and I have started this
fundraiser for my daughter, Rebecca Dean. 
She was born with a horrible genetic disease called NF1 which they say was a spontaneous mutation of a gene.
As far as we know no one else in the family has had it, 
except her and her son, my grandson.

The doctors in ND  just discovered that she has a large

neurofibroma attached to her thoracic spine. Two or 

three vertebrae have disintegrated and if she hadn’t hadthe second spinal fusion and Harrington Rods put
in her back she wouldn’t be able to stand. This tumor
attached to her spine has turned into a very rare cancer and the tentacles have wrapped around her entire
spine. 
Right now it is too dangerous to operate so the decision has been made to do radiation to reduce the tumor.

Hopefully, then operate and chemo.

This is just one of the many challenges that she has 
faced during her 50 years of life. This is definitely the
toughest challenge to date.

She lives in North Dakota with her husband Brian. She
has one son, who also has NF.  He too has faced many
challenges during his 28 years.

We have gotten her down to Venice, FL and she is now 
in The Moffett Cancer Center to get the pain under
control before she starts radiation.

We are asking for help for any medical items not
covered by insurance.  Genetic testing has to be done
and that is not covered by insurance.

  Also, her husband is still in ND because he has to
continue working.  She would like to be able for him to 
fly down for a long weekend and be with her once in
awhile.  Also,  any other unexpected expenses that will
occur when someone is critically ill.