Help Leah KEEP GOING and fight brain cancer!

My name is Alyson and I am making this request on behalf of my best friend for her daughter—who is my eldest daughter's best friend—because no parent should have to make this request.

Leah Courtheyn has a huge fight in front of her and we need her to KEEP GOING! Please help in any way you are able. As you can imagine, medical expenses and other expenses will be astronomical. With Ashley's (Leah's mom) recent job change, navigating expenses can be daunting while trying to care for, support, and be with her beautiful, amazing, quick-witted, sweet Leah. This is not the end of her story…this amazing girl is destined for greatness and is a fighter. Let’s help her fight and KEEP GOING!

Facebook post from Ashley on Tuesday, August 19th:

There’s no comfortable way to ease into this post that has become the devastating reality we are now living. My beautiful fiery redhead Leah, who was excitedly preparing for her OSU move-in day this Friday, is now currently in the ICU recovering from a craniotomy/biopsy of a primary glioma brain tumor we discovered this weekend after only a week of mild symptoms originally attributed to a stress migraine. On top of the complications, there are many more unknowns ahead that she will battle, but never alone. We have already felt the unbelievable love from our community rallying behind us in support and I appreciate each kind message received. Please give me grace if I do not respond timely. I have not left her bedside. Please think of Riley and the boys as they also experience the fear and pain of watching their sister go through this, as their lives have been turned upside down as well. I am so very angry at God right now, but if you believe in the power of prayer, please send them our way. I’ll welcome anything that heals or comforts my sweet girl. Love to all.

https://www.akronchildrens.org/static/get-well-card-intro.html

**UPDATE: Thursday, August 21st**

Leah had an emergency drain placed this evening in the OR due to fluid complications in her brain. Please keep sending prayers for her comfort. She is so scared.

**UPDATE: Monday, August 25th, 11am**

We had a beautiful morning with Leah yesterday that I am still cherishing in my heart today. She has since slightly decompensated with a series of increased symptoms and concerns throughout the night. She is returning from her MRI shortly. They were kind enough to keep her sedated for imaging. I will meet with the oncologist and neurosurgeon to discuss MRI results to address current complications and also the preliminary path forward to fight the tumor and give Leah every best chance in the world. Now comes the really scary and hard part.

I keep seeing flashes of her grit and determination to get to the other side of this. I’ve spent time reading and rereading the dozens of cards she has been receiving and they continue to bring a smile to her face. I feel so lifted by everyone around me and thank you for taking the time to think of my sweet little girl. I cannot lose her. Please keep praying for her.

**UPDATE: Monday, August 25th, 11pm**

Leah received the devastating confirmation that the tumor is inoperable. As of now, we have no options for curative treatment and we are working with limited time. I’m not even sure how this is possible. The pain we are feeling is indescribable. Tomorrow I will begin furiously searching for second opinions across the country while also working towards getting her stable enough to bring home on palliative/hospice. The funds that have been so kindly donated will be used towards traveling my little girl anywhere there is hope and for extra needs to ease her comfort and safety at home. Please share if you are able and keep praying for her comfort.