Help Marci Rebuild After Brain Tumor Battle

Marci and her daughter’s journey continues as gifts cover rent and essential move-in costs

  • J
  • V
31 donors
0% complete

$1,880 raised of 

Help Marci Rebuild After Brain Tumor Battle

Donation protected
Help Marci Bender Rebuild Her Life After a Brain Tumor Battle

Life can change in an instant, and for Marci Bender, that moment came in November 2025 when she learned she had a brain tumor located behind her eye.

On January 7, 2026, Marci underwent a major surgery to remove the tumor. However, once surgeons began the procedure, they discovered the situation was far more serious than originally anticipated. The tumor had become wrapped around a major artery in her brain. While her surgeon was able to remove part of the tumor, the portion surrounding the artery was too dangerous to remove without risking her life.

Following surgery, Marci spent a week in the ICU recovering from the procedure and facing the difficult reality that part of the tumor remained. Because surgery could not completely remove it, doctors recommended another treatment option. On May 26, 2026, Marci underwent Gamma Knife radiation therapy in hopes of stopping the tumor’s growth and eliminating what remains. There is still a possibility that additional radiation treatments may be needed in the future.

Throughout this medical journey, Marci was unable to work for more than three months. Although she has recently returned to work and is doing everything she can to regain stability, the financial impact of her illness has been overwhelming.

As if battling a brain tumor wasn’t enough, Marci has also faced heartbreaking personal challenges. During her treatment and recovery, her longtime boyfriend and the father of her child left the relationship. As a result of the financial hardship that followed, Marci fell behind on rent and was ultimately evicted from her home.

Today, Marci and her 12-year-old daughter are working to start over. They have the opportunity to move into a safe two-bedroom apartment, but they need help covering the $2,500 required for the security deposit, first month’s rent, and move-in expenses.

Anyone who knows Marci knows she is a strong, hardworking, and devoted mother who has fought courageously through every obstacle placed in her path. She is not asking for a handout—she is asking for a chance to rebuild.

We are reaching out to our family, friends, and community to help Marci and her daughter secure stable housing and begin this next chapter of their lives. No donation is too small, and if you are unable to give, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to us.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support during this difficult time. Together, we can help Marci get back on her feet and provide a safe place for her and her daughter to call home.

Organizer and beneficiary

Chelsie Mcelroy
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA
marci mcelroy
Beneficiary

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee