Brandi McMinn Medical Expenses

On October 1, 2018 at nearly 30 weeks pregnant with her second baby, Brandi suffered a seizure at work and was transported to the ER. While in the ambulance, she had two more seizures. After days of tests, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in her frontal lobe. Due to the size of the tumor and the seizures it caused, the doctors recommend removal as the best course of action. The timing is the big question. She is getting opinions of two highly recommended neurosurgeons before deciding on a final course of action. As you can imagine, this decision is quite complex given the fact that she is in her third trimester of pregnancy.

Brandi is due to deliver in December, but her surgery may not take place until early next year. Brandi's high-risk delivery necessitates a hospital birth; very different from the peace-filled, birthing center delivery she had with Connor.  After time to recover from delivery, doctors will order surgery to remove the tumor and determine if it is cancerous.

Brandi's most recent contrast MRI does indicate one small area of the tumor that shows up as “enhanced” and could potentially indicate fast growth in that area. Her first neurosurgeon recommends another follow up MRI in 3 weeks to monitor for potential growth. She will be meeting with the second neurosurgeon as well as her OB to discuss the new developments and alternatives.

Brandi and Russ have a decent, high-deductible, health insurance plan.  They will soon reach their out of pocket maximum by paying for Brandi's ER visit, hospital stay, testing, and upcoming delivery. If she has brain surgery in January, they will hit that maximum again. Bills from the ambulance ride, ER, and numerous doctors she saw during her Telemetry stay in the hospital are starting to roll in.

Funds raised will be used for medical expenses for Brandi's high-risk pregnancy and delivery, her surgery to remove the tumor, any course of treatment determined by her doctors, and to help out with household expenses. Brandi cannot drive due to her recent seizures, so she is not currently working. Hopefully her Short Term Disability will be approved soon, but once approved will only be 60% of her previous salary. This is putting an incredible strain on her family. The sooner we can meet our goal, the less stress for Brandi and Russ and the more time they have to prepare for their new baby!

If you know Russ and Brandi McMinn, you've probably been inspired by their love story, their adoration and support of one another, and their ten years of loving marriage. You might know of their incredible journey to start their family and their absolute joy in being Connor's parents. If you asked Brandi, she would excitedly tell you of the miracle that is their newest baby. You know they would never ask for help. All the more reason to go #allinforMcMinn and show them how much they've touched your life by their love and generosity to others.

Stay up to date by following Brandi's Journey!