Corrin is a 23 year old cancer survivor of Leukemia (ALL), she is the wife of a missionary’s son (Ben Varner), mother to 1 yr old Willow, and the daughter of a 4 time cancer survivor & amputee (Michelle Anderson Francis). Corrin’s 4 year treatment for the Leukemia began when she was 16 and a student at James River High School in Richmond, VA. She had been cancer free and she and her husband had bought a house in Boydton, VA and miraculously had their daughter Willow- Dr’s had told Corrin she would most likely never have children due to having the high dose chemotherapy just as she was entering puberty. Life was good until one evening when Corrin was carrying Willow into the house and suddenly she began to have a seizure. Ben was able to take Willow before Corrin went down to the floor. She was carried by Rescue Squad to CMH in South Hill, VA. Ben called Corrin’s Mother & Grandfather (Phil Anderson of Nathalie, VA) and all 4 were told the devastating news that the CT scan showed a mass in the frontal lobe of Corrin’s brain. Corrin was transported to MCV in Richmond, VA where she subsequently had surgery on June 11th and the majority of the tumor was removed. At the same time, Corrin’s Mom was recovering from a major lung surgery in which 2 lobes of her right lung were removed due to cancer which had spread from her leg. Corrin’s husband Ben along with her Aunts (Melissa Yeatman & Tiffany Caylor of Montross, VA) vigilantly stayed with Corrin during the 2 weeks she was in MCV. Sweet Willow stayed with Ben’s parents (David & Beverly Varner of Clarksville, VA) during this time. Corrin & Ben had never been away from Willow overnight until this ordeal.
The biopsy of the tumor showed it was a Glioblastoma- an aggressive tumor which is treatable but not considered curable at this time although there has been a lot in the news recently regarding new treatments being in trial phases. It was also revealed during this time that Corrin had Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, just as her Mother has, and just as Corrin’s little sister who passed away from a brain tumor when she was 4 yrs old was suspected to have had although testing for the gene wasn’t available back then. Li-Freaumeni Syndrome is a genetic mutation in which the gene that normally suppresses tumor growth is totally absent in the body. This is a rare, genetic disease which leads to multiple cancers in most affected by the condition.

Corrin has completed 6 weeks of radiation to her brain and is undergoing cycles of chemotherapy pills. Her 1st MRI showed the small amount of remaining tumor had shrunk considerably. Corrin continues to travel to South Hill every week to have blood draws to monitor her blood counts and she sees her Oncologist monthly. Corrin is very weak and extremely nauseated most of the time. Her medications were changed last week and we are hopeful she will feel relief.

Ben has steadfastly been by Corrin’s side. As you can imagine, all of this has taken an enormous financial toll on Corrin & Ben. Corrin has insurance, however it has a huge deductible and doesn’t pay 100% just like most of our medical plans nowadays.

Corrin’s best friend from high school Emily McGee, has set up a GoFundMe page for Corrin & Ben. If you feel so compelled and are able to donate, any amount would be appreciated more than you could ever imagine. We will continue to post updates and ask for your prayers for healing, strength & endurance for Corrin.