My name is Jessica. My sister’s family could use your support.

Saturday morning, my five-year-old niece, Max, was taken to the ER with stomach pains. After some imaging, they found a large tumor in her abdomen. Max was transferred to Vanderbilt for more tests. When they got there, it was determined that the mass is a teratoma and it ruptured, which is what caused the severe pains. They will not know if it is cancerous until a biopsy is completed. As of today (7/14), Max had surgery to remove the mass. Surgery went well, but they did have to remove her left ovary. She will spend several days in the hospital, at least two weeks on bed rest, and four additional weeks to feel like her old self. We won’t know more until biopsy results come back.

Her parents, Katie and Alan, are trying to navigate the hospital stay and recovery as best as possible. The hospital has been great about allowing them to stay with Max, but that also means they are missing time at work. Not only do they have Max, but they also have a one-year-old little girl, Ryan, and they take care of our mom as she works towards getting a heart transplant.

I ask, if you are able, to donate to their GoFundMe to help them with upcoming expenses. Life piles up when unexpected events like this occur. I know they will appreciate anything you are able to contribute.