The Bailey Family

In late March, Billy started having some breathing issues.   He went to the doctor and was treated for asthma.  Billy was not improving and returned to the ER for x-rays- results came back clear.  Doctors, at this point, increased his medication and suggested an appointment with a pulmonologist.  (Scheduled for 4/18.)


Billy started a new, full-time job in February. As time passed, symptoms persisted and it was becoming progressively more difficult for him to go to work.

April 11th, Kaaren took Billy to the doctor because some of his behaviors were very concerning. Fortunately, Kaaren advocated for Billy and demanded further tests be done.   The doctor, at that point, ordered a CT scan.  One CT scan quickly lead to another CT with contrast.  Within minutes, Kaaren received a phone call from his doctor that would forever change their lives.  Billy’s primary doctor told them to report to ER immediately as lesions were detected on his brain.

The week of April 15th was a very scary roller coaster ride as Kaaren watched her husband begin to deteriorate right before her eyes.  Billy underwent a number of diagnostic tests throughout the week.  The preliminary results from his brain biopsy came back as High Grade Glioma.  This was the worst possible news they could have received as it is non-curable brain cancer.  Kaaren met with the oncologist Thursday morning to discuss clinical trials and the best place for treatment.  To her surprise, the oncologist called her a few hours later,  and informed her that the pathology readings were leaning more towards Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma.   Although this is also a devastating diagnosis, Kaaren was overjoyed as this is a treatable and possibly a curable type of cancer.   

Today, April 22nd, the oncologist came in and confirmed that Billy has CNS Lymphoma. The course of action will be a chemo treatment that will require a hospital stay for every two weeks for the next 16 weeks (8 cycles). He will then have a “break” and then return to the hospital for a stem cell transplant.  This treatment will require a 4 week hospital stay.  Billy can not start this treatment until his brain biopsy is healed. Billy remains hospitalized and has been given steroids to help reduce the swelling in his brain.  This has helped with his alertness and has been eating and even talking a little bit.  He will be moved to a rehab floor as his skull heals from the brain biopsy. After that, he will remain in the hospital and begin treatment.  

Kaaren has been spending most of her time at the hospital.  Their children, Ben (15) Madelyn (13) and Kaelyn (7) are being cared for by loving family and friends.

Kaaren appreciates all of your messages, love and support she has received.  She believes all of your prayers have helped with the possible diagnosis improvement.  She is overwhelmed by the number of people who have reached out wanting to help in any way they can- she thanks all of you from the bottom of her heart.

At this time, the treatment plan will span over the next 6-7 months.  This means Billy will be out of work.  Prior to stating his new job in February, he was self employed.  He does not have the benefit of taking time off and still being paid.  Thankfully, Kaaren’s job carries their health insurance. To assist with taking care of the kids needs, medical bills, household bills, and daily expenses of having a loved one in the hospital, a GoFundMe account has been set up.   Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. 

Please contact Christine at [email redacted]  if you would like to help, but are not comfortable with donating through GoFundMe. Another option is through Zelle (bank to bank payment). 

Again, Kaaren is beyond grateful for each and every one of you.  Please continue to pray for Billy’s health to improve, strength for Kaaren, and comfort and support for their children.


Please share this link to help the Bailey’s out!
https://www.gofundme.com/billybailey