Help Mimi (Teresa) Overcome Brain Cancer

Teresa, known best to many of us as Mom or Mimi, has spent her life caring for others. She is selfless, thoughtful, kind, and she never asks for anything in return. To know her is to love her, and now she needs our support.

On April 23, Teresa was brought to the emergency room at St. Vincent Hospital. Her family had become increasingly concerned about symptoms of exhaustion, confusion, and the inability to communicate effectively. Once at the hospital, a CT scan showed a 4cm mass on the left temporal lobe of her brain and significant swelling. She was medically transported to Boston Medical Center within hours where she underwent additional scans and tests.

Mimi had brain surgery on April 25 to remove the tumor at BMC. Prior to its removal, she lost the ability to verbally communicate almost entirely. The surgery duration was 5 hours, and the surgeon successfully removed the tumor. That surgery saved her life. She spent many days in the surgical intensive care unit and eventually moved to the "step down" unit. When she was well enough, she was transferred to Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital in Worcester, where she continued to improve through occupational, physical, and speech therapies.

Today, Mimi is back home, continuing her healing process. Her speech has improved immensely, though it is still challenging for her, especially when she's tired. She may walk slowly, but she's getting around the house well. Her incision is the shape of a horseshoe and also healing very well. PT, OT, VNA, and Speech visit throughout the week. A family member is with her at all times to care for her. For her own safety and well-being, she cannot be left alone. In all of this, she's still amazing and she's still thinking of everyone else.

Brain surgery was only half the battle. Unfortunately, the pathology report on the tumor came back malignant, and Mimi has been diagnosed with brain cancer. She's a very strong person—so strong that she worked up until the moment we took her to the hospital. This diagnosis means she is unable to re-open her daycare and has unexpectedly lost her source of income. Medical and household bills are, and will continue to, pile up quickly while she needs to focus on her health.

Our hearts are broken for Teresa, our Mom—our Mimi, who is facing this uphill battle. She doesn't deserve this, but she is not alone. She has been there for so many of us without hesitation...her family, her friends, her daycare kids and families, and even people she didn't know. We need to do everything we can to give her the best possible opportunity for healing. Please consider donating to support Teresa and her husband during this difficult time. Any dollar donated will support Teresa in her battle against brain cancer.

Thank you for your kind consideration,

The Family of Teresa Doray