Micaylyn Darby is scheduled to undergo her second brain surgery on August 19, 2024. Despite facing more health issues than most people ever will, Micaylyn's faith in Jesus remains strong, and she continues to use her experiences to glorify God. Here is her story and how you can help.

Initially diagnosed in December 2022 with a large pituitary tumor (which she nicknamed Brad), which had been growing for several years, Micaylyn had her first surgery in March 2023 at the University Hospital in Columbia. During this surgery, her neurosurgeon removed most of the tumor. But due to its proximity to her carotid artery, complete removal was not possible.

Since then, she has faced numerous health challenges related to her damaged pituitary gland, affecting her water and sodium balance, thyroid function, metabolism, pain relief, and reproductive cycles, all of which now require medication. She has been hospitalized in the ICU twice and has had multiple ER visits, medical appointments, and scans.

The remaining tumor (Brad) secretes excessive growth hormone. Left untreated, it could lead to organ enlargement and serious health issues. Although Micaylyn has been receiving injections to control the growth hormone, they are no longer effective.

Her next step is another surgery to attempt further tumor removal. She is also undergoing CT scans to check for additional tumors or complications. Post-surgery, if the growth hormone levels do not decrease significantly, she may need daily injections and possibly radiation therapy. Her endocrinology team at MU Hospital has been supportive, but due to the rarity of her condition, further evaluation at Barnes may be necessary.

Many people have reached out to offer support to Micaylyn and her family. Here's how you can help:

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18