Support Darla's Hopeful Path to Healing

Dear friends and family,

As some of you know and have been following along with my Aunt Darla's story, I'm reaching out asking for your support as my Aunt Darla steps into a critical moment of her healing journey. She has been accepted to participate in a clinical trial in Bethesda, Maryland, that we hope will aid in her treatment for a very rare illness and to pursue a cutting-edge treatment for this chronic condition.

She has been accepted into the National Institute of Health Clinical Center for a study that we hope will result in an alternative treatment plan. Up to this point, multiple brain and spine surgeries have been her only options after insurance denied her previous treatment.

This trial offers hope and the potential for breakthrough treatments, but it will require significant travel, accommodation, and other expenses that she cannot cover on her own.

Darla has been battling what is called Meningiomatosis, which are multiple unilateral tumors on her brain and spine. It's caused by a faulty gene mutation (neurofibromatosis type 2 mosaic). After having a PET scan that revealed malignancy, her oncologist at UAMS in Little Rock started her on a monthly injection and chemotherapy, which they believed was working. Then her insurance denied coverage for it, saying it wasn't the standard of care for her condition. This left her with only the option of surgery, which came with the risk of life-altering deficits and possibly death. Taking part in this study will also allow her to contribute to the science behind this condition for others that may be facing these challenges.

The total cost of this journey is expected to be between $4,000-$5,000, and every dollar raised will go directly toward these expenses. We are deeply grateful for all of the love, prayers, and support she has received thus far from so many family and friends. I'm deeply grateful for any support you can offer, whether it's a donation or simply sharing this campaign with others.

We are excited and hopeful for her future as she takes part in this trial. Thank you again to everyone who has supported, prayed, and reached out through this journey. It means more than we can express.