*Updates to follow below*
Hello,
My name is Kelsey and I was diagnosed with brain cancer (astrocytoma) in November 2023.
I had brain surgery in December 2023 during which they were able to safely remove a little over 50% of the tumor. The remainder was treated with a 6 week combination of radiation and chemotherapy. This was followed by 10 monthly chemotherapy treatments before the tumor began to grow again. I then started on a clinical trial which consisted of chemotherapy, immune inhibitor, and enzyme inhibitor. These medications worked for about 10 months until I started having symptoms and growth again (December 2025). That’s a very abbreviated timeline but catches up to current day.
I have a previous GoFundMe page that I am no longer able to edit. It contains the first part of my story in more detail and is worth checking out. https://gofund.me/92a3b241f
During these past two years I have also been diagnosed with several treatment induced/related conditions: Cushing’s syndrome, blood clots in both legs and both lungs resulting in heart strain which was near fatal, thyroid dysfunction, bleeding issues requiring transfusions and infusions, and others. All of which have left me unable to work.
Needless to say, it has been a rough two years but I’m still here, fighting for my life and will not give up. There has been an amazing outpouring of love and support which has sustained me through it all. My tribe is badass and I know I am blessed. I come to you ask for your continued help with this journey.
We are stronger together and can do hard things.
With love and gratitude,
Kelsey
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1/11/26 update
After lots of back and forth conversations about next best steps, a plan has been reached. I will continue on Keytruda infusions every three weeks in NYC for the time being. This means the next is scheduled for 1/23/26. At the same time, I will receive another infusion which targets my tumor type more specifically. Lastly, I will start on a daily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to better target my symptoms without adding more issues from steroids. I am most excited about this as previous steroid use has been extremely hard on my body.
Overall, I have come into a much better place. One where calm and hope are the primary feelings. I am still nervous but am grateful to have another option to try. I am not going to give up. Thank you for the support through this and please keep it coming.
GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/61e5445e7
Venmo - @Kelsey-Stierwalt
With love,
Kelsey
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1/5/26 Update
Welp, very disappointing news to start off the new year…
The most recent scan on 12/30/25 showed some changes. This in combination with new symptoms, there is at least a 75% chance that tumor growth is the cause. Growth disqualifies me from the clinical trial that l have been in for nearly a year. I received the final trial treatment on 1/2/26.
This news has been absolutely devastating. The past two years of fighting has been heart breaking and exhausting. It has taken a toll on every aspect of my life.
A clear plan forward has not been decided on yet. Honestly, I am still trying to process everything. The important thing is there are other avenues to explore in hopes one will work better than what has been done already. Only the trial is over, not all treatment. I am thankful for this but still feel defeated and apprehensive.
So many prayers are needed y’all, for both myself and loved ones. It’s a time of sorrow and tears but will become strength and determination again, hopefully soon. We can do hard things, especially when there is no other choice.
I am having to start all over again with both the journey itself and fundraising to stay on it. A new/different GoFundMe will be up soon. The previous one still works but I am unable to update any postings. Venmo is also available @Kelsey-Stierwalt
Your love and support are needed now more than ever.
With a heavy but love filled heart,
Kelsey
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