Donation protected
"You have cancer." The three words no one ever wants to hear.
Friends, we all know Alyssa Mihalka as the fun loving spirit that has left a mark on everyone she's encountered. She's always supported her loved ones through volunteering with her Grandparents and attending both friend and family functions. A love for all, Alyssa spends her time caring for animals of all kinds, nurturing her passion for the agriculture community, and exploring local history. We all know Alyssa for these wonderful things, but few of us know the struggles she's confronted over the growing years.
When she was 16, just a sophomore in high school, Alyssa visited the ER with back pain that had been causing her trouble the last couple of years. It was determined the issue was extremely serious resulting in her being taken via ambulance to Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago where she was diagnosed with myxopapillary ependymoma. This rare condition results in the body forming tumors along the spinal cord and brain matter. Several large tumors were located on Alyssa's spine resulting in multiple surgeries since to remove. During this time Alyssa had to relearn the basics: eating, walking, bathroom habits. As a result, she missed the entire second semester of her sophomore year of high school and all the exciting things that came with it.
Because myxopapillary ependymoma is incurable this something Alyssa will have to cope with her entire life. Unfortunately not everything can be removed with surgery. For the smaller sections to be removed requires proton radiation therapy for 6+ week increments. Physically this is demanding, but also a strain mentally and financially. Countless numbers of hours have been lost to this process which has put a financial hardship on Alyssa, who is only supported by herself. Recently, things had started to look up after her latest surgery in early November 2019. However, after an MRI two weeks ago, Alyssa could not even begin to imagine what was to come.
During her MRI doctors discovered the emergence of a new spot on her upper spine. Along with that, three of the tumors in her brain had grown enough to take action. The only way to dismantle the tumor in her brain would be through radiation effective immediately. The side effects will include total loss of hair on her head as well as possible hearing and vision impairment.
With no opportunity to earn income while the procedure takes place, and with bills piling up for hospital stays, treatments, medication, specialty doctors, and now wigs, we turn to you for assistance. We know with everything going on it is more difficult now than ever to spare extra cash, but we ask of you to assist in any way possible. The saying goes "why do bad things have to happen to good people", but with your help things don't have to be so bad. Even if you can't give financially, a gift of your time through prayer will be just as effective. " Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Friends, we all know Alyssa Mihalka as the fun loving spirit that has left a mark on everyone she's encountered. She's always supported her loved ones through volunteering with her Grandparents and attending both friend and family functions. A love for all, Alyssa spends her time caring for animals of all kinds, nurturing her passion for the agriculture community, and exploring local history. We all know Alyssa for these wonderful things, but few of us know the struggles she's confronted over the growing years.
When she was 16, just a sophomore in high school, Alyssa visited the ER with back pain that had been causing her trouble the last couple of years. It was determined the issue was extremely serious resulting in her being taken via ambulance to Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago where she was diagnosed with myxopapillary ependymoma. This rare condition results in the body forming tumors along the spinal cord and brain matter. Several large tumors were located on Alyssa's spine resulting in multiple surgeries since to remove. During this time Alyssa had to relearn the basics: eating, walking, bathroom habits. As a result, she missed the entire second semester of her sophomore year of high school and all the exciting things that came with it.
Because myxopapillary ependymoma is incurable this something Alyssa will have to cope with her entire life. Unfortunately not everything can be removed with surgery. For the smaller sections to be removed requires proton radiation therapy for 6+ week increments. Physically this is demanding, but also a strain mentally and financially. Countless numbers of hours have been lost to this process which has put a financial hardship on Alyssa, who is only supported by herself. Recently, things had started to look up after her latest surgery in early November 2019. However, after an MRI two weeks ago, Alyssa could not even begin to imagine what was to come.
During her MRI doctors discovered the emergence of a new spot on her upper spine. Along with that, three of the tumors in her brain had grown enough to take action. The only way to dismantle the tumor in her brain would be through radiation effective immediately. The side effects will include total loss of hair on her head as well as possible hearing and vision impairment.
With no opportunity to earn income while the procedure takes place, and with bills piling up for hospital stays, treatments, medication, specialty doctors, and now wigs, we turn to you for assistance. We know with everything going on it is more difficult now than ever to spare extra cash, but we ask of you to assist in any way possible. The saying goes "why do bad things have to happen to good people", but with your help things don't have to be so bad. Even if you can't give financially, a gift of your time through prayer will be just as effective. " Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Co-organizers (2)
Gabrelle Lenhardt
Organizer
Copperas Cove, TX
Alyssa Mihalka
Beneficiary
Andrew Alessia
Co-organizer