Surgery, New Setbacks, & Gratitude

October update for friends & family-

I just wanted to share an update and send out a heartfelt thank you to all of you who've supported me whether through donations, kind messages of encouragement, meals or just checking in. This has meant more than I can ever express and reminds me that I'm not alone.

Since my craniotomy at Duke on August 7, recovery hasn't gone quite as smoothly as I had hoped. While the procedure itself went as planned, recovery has been tougher than expected.There have been some unexpected challenges, ongoing pain, limited mobility, follow-up procedures, and medical issues that I'm now working through with my care team.

It's been overwhelming and frustrating at times- physically, emotionally, and financially but I'm doing my best to stay positive and focus on healing body, mind, and soul.

These new hurdles have also brought unexpected costs I hadn't planned for.

In March I passed out alone on the street and collapsed on my left hand, fracturing two fingers, even after seven months of P.T. my orthopedist has informed me that surgery is the next step. At this time my hand injury prevents me from working in a kitchen, my profession for over 20 years. I have landed twice now in the ER due to blood pressure issues and ongoing visual impairment. In October alone, I have over 10 Dr. appointments with ortho, ophthalmologist, p.t., EMG, MRI, dentist, sleep apnea study, and hypertension clinic. I’m also working with an attorney to apply for Social Security disability and to add insult to injury, I need to find another place to live and move to before year's end.

If you're able to share my page, put this on Instagram or TikTok, share my Venmo or CashApp QR code or contribute again, it

would mean the world- every bit helps more than you can imagine. So many resources that would normally have helped me have been tapped out due to hurricane Helene, even if you can't donate right now, your continued support, encouragement and prayers mean just as much.

I'm deeply grateful to everyone who has shown up and stood by me through this unexpected journey, a special shout out to my tumor sisters- Mary Patrick, Socorro Turner, and Sarah Hamaker. We are not alone.

Thank you all for believing in me and helping me to keep moving forward one baby step at a time.