Help Janelle Recover from Brain Surgery

Hi everyone, I'm Alison, Janelle’s closest friend and she’s Godmother to my Connor . I am writing to you today to ask for your help with what has become an increasingly serious medical emergency. For those of us who know Janelle, fundraising isn't a form of help she would normally ever even consider; however, the stark reality of the obstacles in front of her makes this plea for your support unequivocal.

Those who know Janelle can attest to her sassy and fiesty personality. She is genuinely a strong willed sassy pants, outgoing, and quite humorous! She is always one to lend a helping hand and now is my time to seek help for her in her time of need.

A few months ago, Janelle was complaining of headaches, which she has had previously. So, she sought medical attention. Her doctor thinking it was her migraines, put her on new meds. A few weeks after that, Janelle noticed some vision changes. After some urging, she made an eye appt that resulted in a very unexpected finding!

On Saturday June 1, Janelle called me in tears. The optometrist had found a mass behind her eyes and wanted to send her immediately to the ER by ambulance. Calling me in tears, which is rare for her, I knew this was serious! I immediately met her at the ER.

After many tests including, CT scans, vein scans, an MRI revealed the worst possible scenario…it was a brain tumor. As Janelle said, a brain tumor was not on her 2024 bingo card! From what the Neurologists and other specialists can tell, it’s a meningioma but aren’t exactly sure. We won’t know exactly until it is removed and biopsied.

The tumor needs to be removed ASAP as it is wrapped around a vein and in danger of crushing it which could result in a stroke or have more serious consequences. The tumor is also pushing on the optical

nerve which has caused some

vision issues and so she is unable to work, drive, or do anything that causes too much eye strain.

On Friday, August 23rd she will be having her surgery to remove the brain tumor. The surgery takes about 6-8 hours and Janelle will be in the hospital for several nights after the surgery. After they remove the tumor, they will do a biopsy to find out exactly what it is. We won’t have those results for about 4 weeks.

The total recovery time after the surgery at this time is estimated to be 1-2+ months? However, due to not knowing exactly what type of tumor it is, and the fact that it is wrapped around a vein, recovery time could take longer.

Now, during this difficult time, we are humbly seeking your compassion, support, and generosity.

In our quest to provide Janelle with the necessary treatments and the ability to recover at home, we ask for your support. She has already been out of work for several months and every donation received will directly contribute to her journey to recovery. We ask that you give what you can and share this campaign with your family, friends, and co-workers. Your financial support, love, and prayers for Janelle mean the world to us during this challenging time.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us, and especially with Janelle.