Help Carla Fight a Recurring Brain Tumor

In 2020, after months of severe migraines and countless hospital visits, Carla was admitted to Leominster Hospital with a migraine that wouldn’t respond to treatment. After undergoing an MRI and CT scan, she was released pending results—but before she even made it home, she received a call urging her to return to the hospital immediately.

Carla was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a rare and cancerous brain tumor located near the pituitary gland and optic nerves. Though typically slow-growing, this type of tumor can be life-threatening due to its location and impact on vital brain functions, including vision and hormone regulation.

She was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent emergency brain surgery. The tumor was so large and intricately intertwined with critical brain structures that only 90% could be removed. The surgery left Carla with complete vision loss in her left eye and partial vision loss in her right.

Before her diagnosis, Carla was a gifted artist and barber—her creativity and skill were not only her passion but also her livelihood. Losing her vision meant losing both her career and the activities that brought her joy.

Carla began chemotherapy and radiation, but due to a severe reaction to chemo, she had to discontinue it and continue with radiation alone. She fought hard and was eventually declared in remission.

Sadly, we’ve recently learned that the tumor is growing again. Carla now faces another round of treatment, and the challenges are even greater. She cannot drive and relies on friends and rideshares to get to her appointments in Boston. With a fixed income, she struggles to afford transportation, food, hotel stays for back-to-back appointments, and basic necessities.

I’m starting this fundraiser to help Carla with:

Carla is someone I love dearly, and she deserves every ounce of support we can offer. If you’re unable to donate, we completely understand—but please keep Carla in your thoughts and prayers and share this campaign as widely as you can.

Thank you for standing with Carla in this fight.