Donate to Brandy Deptula's Recovery Journey

Hello all! I am creating this fundraiser for my sister, Brandy Deptula. She was recently in the hospital after passing out at home. The hospital diagnosed her with two main cerebral arteries that are clotted, which caused two mini-strokes. While there, they also noticed she had several masses all over her body, one being the size of a grapefruit between her stomach and her kidney. She has several masses from her neck down to her chest, in her stomach, as well as her pelvis. On 10/25/24, a biopsy was performed so that we could learn more about this cancer and what we are up against. My sister is just 42 years old! She was released from the hospital and allowed to rest at home while she/we await the results of the biopsy, which should hopefully tell us where this cancer originated in her body, which will give her treatment team the knowledge they need to come up with an action plan.

Those that know Brandy know she is a hard worker! Extremely hard worker!! As kids, I remember her getting a job at a local ice cream parlor down the street. When she was just 14 years old, she ran shifts by herself in the store! She has not gone without a job since back then unless she briefly took off for her children's needs when they were infants, or when she broke her back. For years now, she has worked multiple jobs, a diner in the morning and afternoons and a restaurant in the evenings and nights. At one point, she was even cleaning empty office buildings during the late night/early morning hours after her restaurant shifts. If she ever gets a day off, it's not uncommon for her to be babysitting for someone or doing something for someone in need in her community or rescuing animals (one time she raised orphaned baby opossums in her spare bathroom, she's been this way since we were very young kids).

Basically, my sister is an extremely hard worker, that when able, does a lot for other people or the greater good of this world. Now it's her turn to need help, and I know how bull-headed she is, this is going to be extremely challenging for her (slowing down and accepting help). I have long admired her ability to be independent!

The problem we face now is if she's entitled to any sort of disability pay, that is a process that doesn't happen overnight and we all know bills don't wait. She just started a lease on a new home, so she can't get out of her lease, and we don't want her to. Therapeutically, she would do best staying home and not having to worry about the lights cutting off, water cutting off, getting evicted, etc.

She has a great boyfriend, Ben, who works and provides, but Brandy's income is heavily relied on. We all know how this economy is set up! Ben also has custody of his two young children that Brandy assists with while Ben works. Brandy loves these two like her own, and I have dozens upon dozens of videos of little Henry's antics during the day! ❤️ Due to his young age, they will need help there, but I know Brandy is going to want to keep him/them close by. Ben will also have to miss time to take Brandy to the many doctor appointments in the foreseeable future.

As far as familial support is concerned, both Brandy's parents passed away from cancer. Her mom in 2006 and her dad on Valentine's Day 2022. Her older sister was in a severe car accident years ago and suffered a traumatic brain injury. She is unable to assist due to the limitations in cognition coupled with her limited resources. Then there is me, her younger sister - she calls me "lil big sis," because I'm younger, yet taller. Fun fact: Brandy is only one year older but she likes to treat it like twenty. As we've aged, we've grown closer though, I am very much the little one though, and she is my protector. I myself am enduring my own health issues. I'm currently on long-term disability after a botched spine procedure left me with a permanent neurological condition that is very painful and limits my mobility at times. I also live just shy of 1000 miles away in our hometown of Charleston, SC. Don't get it twisted though, I'm gonna be there. I have three young kids too. So I just have to make sure their needs are met first before I can just up and leave. One thing is for certain though, when my sister needs me, I'll be there.

Brandy's also got Kendra, her oldest daughter who's in college (she lives at home), "Little" Mark who just graduated high school, and Jada (the baby), who is still in high school. These three are amazing kids, but this is understandably going to be very scary and hard for them. I speak from experience: when you are that age and you are used to your mom working like the Energizer Bunny, it's a lot to digest to see them unwell and unable to do what they previously did, so prayers for them please.

One thing is for certain, Brandy is a fighter! She's feisty and fierce, and I know she's going to give this all she's got, it's just gonna take some time and she's gonna need some help along the way.

For now, I'm here on bended knee asking for monetary help. I also ask you for your prayers (if that's your thing). I don't want her having to worry about the bills or what would happen if those bills aren't paid.

For full transparency, if the amount donated exceeds the amount her bills are, other funds would be used for gas for going to and from appointments, childcare for the two young children, meals and food, and house cleaning. Being in the hot and humid south, I admit I'm pretty clueless on this, but I'd also like their walkways and driveways to remain plowed and free of slippery ice during the upcoming colder months, because a fall is the last thing she needs. Lastly, remaining funds will be used for medicine, copays, and comfort items to aid in her recovery.

Any and all donations are appreciated! I understand if you are unable to, times are tough, but I hope you will assist with this fundraiser by sharing it, so others, who may be in a better position, will see! I will update those of you who want to be updated accordingly. Thank you, and God bless!