BRANDI'S BRAIN BANK

Following is a little story about my best friend:
13 years ago Brandi was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a softball & was told she had a 50/50 chance of survival...Luckily the odds were in her favor. Afterwards, months of recovery time were predicted, but Brandi pushed herself beyond all limits & bounced back in a time frame that shocked even her doctors. After that, Brandi focused on living a good life for herself & her kids. Many appointments & MRIs followed in the years after to keep a close eye on things, & it wasn't until 5 years later that Brandi received the news that a 2nd tumor had begun to form in the same location as her 1st. This time, however, they caught it early & it wasn't showing any signs of aggression.  It was decided to just keep a close eye on its development & wait until surgery was necessary. The monitoring of the tumor lasted up until 6 years ago when Brandi had a massive seizure, landing her in the hospital. After undergoing several tests, it became quite clear that it was time this tumor too, needed to be removed. So once again, Brandi underwent brain surgery. During the surgery, a 3rd tumor was found hiding in her brain, which was determined to be the root cause of her seizures. After surgery number 2, Brandi yet again pushed herself forward. At times, her fight went against what her body would allow & landed her in the hospital several times, but she refused to give up on getting better.  During this time, Brandi realized how scary many of her emergency situations had been. She had been transported by ambulance on several occasions & realized that the fear she felt when something went wrong, would lessen once the paramedics would arrive by her side. It was at that time that Brandi decided to become an EMT. She wanted to be that person that relieved the fear that someone else would be experiencing in their time of need.  She became an EMT & now helps & saves others. 6 years have now passed since Brandi's last surgery. 4 of those years she has lived tumor & seizure free...But sadly last month, her daughter Tricia arrived home from school to find Brandi laying unconscious in their living room. Another hospital stay arose, & after undergoing the all too familiar testing yet again, Brandi was informed that tumor number 4 is now present.  This time though, her situation has presented a few extra challenges. This time her tumor is extremely aggressive. It's causing swelling to the brain, massive headaches, & sometimes some added forgetfulness. It has also presented a surgical issue. Because Brandi has already experienced two other surgeries in the same location, her skull has become weakened & a 3rd surgery can present with a fatal outcome. In an attempt to prevent surgery, radiation may be Brandi's next step, in hopes to stop the tumor's growth & eliminate additional symptoms from arising.  This girl, who works hard to help & support her kids is now in need of help & support for herself, which she refuses to ask for on her own. The medical bills have begun to roll in, the radiation treatments are about to begin, & a medical leave from work may be unavoidable. Brandi is now in need of your help & support, so please support her in whatever way you can. A monetary donation, or just simply sharing this post. This girl has a big heart, she is a tremendous friend, and a help to many others. Let's not make her fight any harder than she already has to. Show her your support today...in any way...thanks to all.  Love you BFFL!