My name is Hannah Carrico, and in November 2024, my life changed when I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor called a prolactinoma.
While I am incredibly grateful that it isn’t cancer, this diagnosis has still completely altered my life. My tumor has previously hemorrhaged in my brain, making it unstable and requiring urgent surgical intervention. Because of the complexity, I’ve already been passed between multiple neurosurgeons, and I am now scheduled for surgery at the Mayo Clinic in February.
Over the past year, my health has declined in ways I never expected. My body has become extremely susceptible to illness, making it difficult to stay consistent at work. I’ve missed significant time due to doctor visits, scans, treatments, and specialist appointments, and I will be without income for 6–12 weeks during recovery.
In May 2024, before we even had answers, my body went septic. I was hospitalized for two weeks, placed on oxygen, and physically restrained while my body shut down. I missed nearly two months of work just trying to survive and recover. Since then, I’ve spent all of 2025 seeing specialists and paying medical costs out of my health savings and personal savings, which are now running dry.
This tumor doesn’t just exist on an MRI—it affects my hormones, vision, immune system, mental health, and fertility. It has impacted every part of my life.
In February, I will need to travel for surgery and also cover hotel and travel expenses for my mom, who will be there to support and care for me. Unfortunately, many of these costs aren’t fully covered, including:
Medical bills and treatments
Medications
Travel and lodging
Lost wages during recovery
Ongoing post-surgical care
Asking for help is not easy, but I can’t do this alone. Any donation—no matter the amount—will go directly toward medical and recovery-related expenses. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page means just as much.
I will be posting my MRI images below, not only to show the tumor but also to raise awareness for prolactinomas and invisible illnesses like mine.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your kindness, and for any support you’re able to give. It truly means more than I can put into words.
With gratitude,
Hannah
