Update 11/18

Heather underwent a second brain surgery on November the 12th with her new team at City of Hope to remove as much of the remaining original tumor as possible now that swelling had subsided. Surgery was successful, and the neurosurgeon estimated he had removed 100% of the tumor! Despite now having had most of her right temporal lobe removed, Heather was able to carry on conversations only hours after surgery. Heather is due to start chemo and radiation to target the rogue cancer cells in the margins of the tumor site. Heather is recovering well both physically and intellectually, but is still very emotionally raw due to the surgeries, powerful medications, and the uncertainty of the circumstances.

Update:

Heather met with her new neurosurgeon at City of Hope and he ordered an updated MRI. Results of the MRI showed that more tumor is visible now that the swelling has gone down. His estimate is that there is 20% of the original tumor left. She is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday to remove as much as possible. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers!!!

Heather went to the emergency room on October 1st after suffering from an intense headache for 4 days. A CT scan and MRI revealed a mass in the brain. On October 2, she underwent a craniectomy to remove most of the right temporal lobe. The surgeon was able to remove 97% of the tumor. Pathology results identified the tumor as a glioblastoma - an aggressive form of brain cancer. Heather is currently healing from the surgery at home with her family. The plan is for her to begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments at some point in November through City of Hope.

Heather is mother to 4 children. She and her husband adopted three siblings in 2014. The oldest, Tayler, is now 19. Owen is 16 and Zachary is 14. In 2020, they also welcomed a biological child, Emi, who was born with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. Heather is very involved in Emi's care - which includes multiple physical, occupational, and speech therapy appointments each week in addition to routine specialty appointments for neurology, pulmonology, ENT, hearing, and vision.

Heather's husband, Ryan, works from home as a video game designer. Unfortunately, his time is currently being taken up with helping to care for Heather, navigating insurance to get Heather the care she needs, and caring for Emi. The family would greatly appreciate any support you might be able to offer!