Support Melanie's Journey to Recovery

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Hello! My name is Melanie and I am 35 years old. I was previously a paraeducator (working 1-1 with special ed students) before I had to quit my job due to a brain tumor.

Last year in June, I was diagnosed with a grade 1 glioma (benign) tumor in my occipital lobe (visual cortex) after I was admitted to the ER for extreme migraine pain. Based on the location of the tumor, it was too risky to leave it in my brain. However, the first neurologist didn’t want to remove it, so I went to the Fred Hutch Center at the University of Washington in Seattle to get a second opinion and treatment. They recommended removal of the tumor and would regularly check in to ensure that there was no additional growth or complications.

I was admitted for surgery in November 2023. The surgery took 5 hours, and I was in ICU for a few days to ensure that I would make a steady recovery and was clear for release after 4-5 days. Luckily, they managed to remove all of the tumor, and some additional brain matter was removed to ensure that none of it was left and that I wouldn’t need radiation or chemotherapy.

The recovery process has been slow, arduous, and tedious. For the first few months post-op, my vision was very poor, and I couldn’t read physical text nor comprehend text very well. It took me a few rereads before I understood what I had read. I had to go to speech therapy for visual and cognitive impairment coping strategies, visual therapy, and physical therapy to restore my balance, coordination, and ability to track moving objects. I have seen specialists non-stop to assess cognitive complications and visual processing issues due to the nature of the surgery.

Because of my medical crisis, I had to go on medical leave, and it only lasted for 3 months. I couldn’t get paid leave from my work since I hadn’t worked long enough during the school year to accumulate leave pay. I have exhausted all my benefits and have been unable to return to work due to an extended recovery and complications. I am currently working with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to prep me to re-enter the workforce.

However, I still have rent and bills due while I am working through this process. If you are able to donate any money to help me stay on my feet until I can return to work, I would really appreciate it! Thank you!


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    Organizer

    Melanie Williams
    Organizer
    Bothell, WA

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