Bianca’s Fight Against Rare Brain Tumor

Dearest Friends, Families, and Compassionate Community Members,

I am Simone Rodrigues, and I am reaching out to share the poignant story of my niece, Bianca Nascimento. This vibrant 24-year-old, a beautiful and studious soul, is grappling with the formidable challenge posed by Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT) a brain tumor situated in the delicate region of the brain called the hypothalamus. This tumor has left Bianca unable to perform basic tasks such as walking, bathing, eating, or sleeping without constant assistance. Over the past few months, her family has become her dedicated caregivers, putting their own lives on hold to ensure her comfort and well-being.

Bianca, characterized by her soft-spoken nature and humble spirit, had dreams of completing nursing school. A trailblazer in her family, she became the first to attend college, graduating from FSU in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Unfortunately, her aspirations have been stalled by the debilitating impact of this tumor, an exceptionally rare and unpredictable condition.

The journey began in September 2022 when Bianca started experiencing lightheadedness and lethargy, coupled with a decline in short-term memory. A collapse at home led to a harrowing MRI, unveiling a series of small lesions deep within her brain. Late in November 2022, she underwent brain surgery and had a shunt installed, marking the beginning of a painstaking recovery. In a hopeful turn of events, Bianca resumed nursing school in September 2023, with MRIs showing remarkable improvement. Regrettably, this was short-lived, and her symptoms have returned abruptly.

Undeterred, Bianca embarked on radiation therapy in December 2023, completing it in January 2024. Despite her valiant efforts, her condition persists, and the latest MRIs reveal continued tumor growth. The precarious location of the tumor makes surgery a perilous option, leading her family and medical team to opt for intravenous chemotherapy.

To alleviate the significant financial strain on her family due to mounting medical bills and expenses, I've initiated this GoFundMe campaign. We are asking for your support, whether it be through financial contributions, prayers, uplifting messages, or sharing Bianca's story to raise awareness. Every ounce of support is immensely valued, and all funds raised will all be directed towards her ongoing treatment, medical equipment, necessary medications, and the expenses related to numerous trips to and from the hospital.

For those interested in delving deeper into Bianca's case, further details can be found here: https://thejns.org/caselessons/downloadpdf/view/journals/j-neurosurg-case-lessons/6/16/article-CASE23435.pdf

Portuguese translation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1028-MDhUBR9ihKZva_cWOjMup_aRmAKkHjWD7HBvg70/edit

Your compassion and contributions can make a tremendous difference in Bianca's journey toward healing. Thank you for standing alongside us during this challenge.

God bless,

Simone Rodrigues