<div>*9/22/25 Update: BJ had a 3rd brain surgery today where a stint was used to help drain the fluid build up around her brain that continued even after the tumor causing this issue was removed.*
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<div>Hi, we are BJ (she/her) and Rachel (she/her). We're looking for some community support after a sudden and severe medical event.
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<div>(Written 9/4/25): Last week out of the blue BJ was frequently confused and disoriented to the point of concerning her fiancé, Rachel. They went to the VA emergency room and BJ was then immediately transferred to Abbott Northwestern by ambulance for an emergency brain surgery to relieve a build up of fluid around her brain (aka hydrocephalus). Scans showed a tumor that caused the blockage preventing the fluid to drain naturally. She required a second brain surgery to remove the tumor<strong> just 6 days after the first surgery</strong>. (Note: as of 9/22 BJ has had 3 brain surgeries in less than 1 month!)
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<div>BJ is still recovering in the ICU and has a long healing journey ahead of her. The details of what her recovery entails are unclear at this time, but <strong>unfortunately one of the few known factors is that it will be expensive (due to medical bills, potential moving costs, inability for BJ to work while recovering, uncertainty of Rachel's ability to work while helping BJ recover, etc.)</strong>
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<div><em>Any amount you are able to donate now, at your next pay day, and down the road is deeply appreciated. </em>Funds will support BJ's extensive medical bills and daily living costs (as she will be out work indefinitely and Rachel's ability to work throughout BJ's recovery is unclear currently). BJ also significantly financially supports her 70 year old mother, and these funds will help her continue to do so.
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<div>More about BJ and Rachel:
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<div>BJ (pictured right) is a veteran who served in Desert Storm, a strong person of faith, cancer survivor (which was most likely caused by exposure in the burn pits in the war), and has worked as a traveling professional in the medical field for the last 25 years.
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<div>BJ met Rachel (pictured left) 6 years ago and found a wonderful, sweet, late in life love. They have been engaged for 2 years and are looking forward getting married. Rachel is an educator for Minneapolis Public Schools and has been for 25 years.
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<div>*This fundraiser has been set up by Rachel's niece, Neco, but all funds will go to BJ and Rachel directly.
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Victoria Fernandez

Megan Forbes

John Gebretatose

Navada Pacheaco

Kim Hines

Melissa Hallstead

Julie Gilbert

Linden Erdmann

Micah McFarlane

S.A. Heida

Karyn Wilson

Cindy Pacheaco

Cindy Huenecke

Jennifer Marks Golden

Anonymous

Jenny Minton

Jason Depauw

Kym Soland

Christopher Leon

BJ's Brain Surgery Recovery

BJ's Brain Surgery Recovery

Still $44,477 to go. Help us build momentum.