Alyssa’s Healing Journey - Brain Tumor Fighter

For those who do not know her story, my cousin, Alyssa D’Orazi, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor (a Brain Stem Glioma) in October of 2013, at just 25 years old. She underwent thirty treatments of radiation and was eventually considered “stable” by her team of doctors. Over the following six years, Alyssa pursued her certification in Special Education while working as a Teacher’s Assistant in Long Island school districts, continued to support and participate in the National Brain Tumor Association’s annual fundraising events and met her soul mate and the love of her life, Jim, who proposed in September of 2018. She embraced all the wonderful things in her life.

In September of 2019, after experiencing symptoms which flagged the need for new brain scans, MRI results confirmed that Alyssa’s tumor had spread from her brain stem to her cerebellum and she quickly underwent brain surgery to biopsy the new growth. After her surgery, Alyssa went through ten treatments of radiation, followed by immunotherapy and oral chemotherapy. At that point, Alyssa was confined to a wheelchair and eventually to a walker, with speech, hearing and vision impairments and loss of multiple motor functions. Between July of 2019 and April of 2020, Alyssa experienced a roller coaster of highs and lows, both physically and emotionally, and regardless of how low the lows were, she pushed through every moment of it like the true fighter she is. If she had a setback, it fueled her to get up and fight harder.

In May of 2020, Alyssa’s MRI’s confirmed a new growth in addition to the other two areas. Her treatment was immediately modified to add a new infusion chemotherapy instead of the prior pill form that she was able to take at home, along with continued immunotherapy. After she processed the news of the new growth, I quote her words “Yesterday I felt defeated. Today, I feel empowered. I can do big things. And I will. Just watch.” Well I have been watching her for months and every single step of the way she has amazed me with her strength, courage and determination.

Alyssa is so much more than “just” my cousin…she is my person. She is the brightest light I have ever seen and since she was a little girl I have been telling her that she has a special purpose in life because I knew she was brought into this world to do great things. This year she was supposed to head her very own classroom for the first time. This year she was supposed to be doing all the things a bride-to-be gets to do. While this year was a setback, it is no comparison to the comeback she is working toward!

During times like this, the emotional and physical stress alone is indescribable. Financial stress should not be added to that. I have started this campaign to raise funds to help support Alyssa on her road to healing and recovery. Every dollar raised goes directly to her. She has been unable to work in almost a year and between treatment co-payments, supplements, special dietary restrictions, etc. the financial strain continues to increase. Please consider donating and share this on your personal page as well. Every little bit counts and is so appreciated. Regardless of whether you donate or not, please keep Alyssa and our family in your thoughts and prayers. No one should have to suffer with this disease, but until we find a cure, we will continue to support those who fight it!