Help Us Fight for My Mom Stephanie Estess as She Battles Stage 4 Glioblastoma

I never imagined I’d be writing something like this. My mom Stephanie Estess, loving wife of David Estess —our heart, our anchor, our safe place—has been diagnosed with Stage Four Glioblastoma… an aggressive brain cancer that has already spread across both sides of her brain. This devastating “butterfly” tumor has turned our world upside down in a matter of weeks.

Everything changed a little over a month ago.

Mom started complaining of a headache, stiff neck, and nausea—symptoms that at first seemed like they could have been anything. But something felt off. We rushed her to the ER, and within minutes, a CT scan revealed a massive brain bleed. Everything moved so fast. Within an hour, my mom was being life-flighted to St. Louis. Over the next two weeks, she continued to decline as doctors worked urgently to stabilize her and uncover what was happening. And then came the diagnosis that shattered us: Glioblastoma.

My parents are the kind of people who show up for everyone else. They love quietly, give generously, and never ask for anything in return. They’ve always carried themselves with so much pride, never wanting anyone to worry or feel burdened by their struggles. But right now… the truth is, they can’t do this alone. And neither can we.

My mom has already been through two brain surgeries, and she’s currently in rehab. We still have a long road ahead with chemo and radiation, but we’re taking it one step at a time.

She needs round-the-clock care. My dad has barely left her side because she cannot be alone. They are three hours away from all of us, including our 17-year-old sister who also depends on their daily support. Everyone is stretched thin—physically, emotionally, mentally, financially.

With my dad missing work to be at her bedside, and my mom not having disability insurance through the post office, they’ve suddenly lost a huge part of their income. Bills don’t stop. Life doesn’t pause, even when your world is falling apart.

We are doing everything we can as a family, but the weight is simply too heavy for us to carry alone. And so, with humbled hearts, we’re reaching out.

If you know my parents, you know they would never ask for help. So I am asking for them—because they have spent their entire lives putting everyone else first. Because they deserve every ounce of support, love, and strength this world can offer them right now.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will help keep the lights on, pay for travel, cover mounting medical costs, and allow my dad to stay by my mom’s side—where she needs him most. If you can’t give, please share this page. Pray for her. Hold our family in your heart. Every single kindness means more than you know.

Thank you for loving our family through the hardest chapter of our lives. We are endlessly grateful, and we are holding onto hope.