Help Our Mom Rebuild Her Life After Brain Surgery

In October 2025, our lives changed in ways we never could have imagined.

Our mom is only 55 years old. She is a devoted single mother to two children and two dogs, and until recently, she lived a full, active life—working in IT, going to the gym regularly, and handling everything life threw her way with strength and determination.

That all changed when she began experiencing severe headaches and visual disturbances. After seeking medical care, she was diagnosed with a large craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor.

On December 16, 2025, she underwent a craniotomy that had to be split into two extremely long surgeries, each lasting over 12 hours. What followed was an incredibly difficult journey. She spent three weeks in the ICU, facing multiple complications. After the second surgery, she was intubated and sedated for more than a week, missing Christmas and New Year’s—holidays usually spent surrounded by family. She finally woke up on New Year’s Day, beginning a long and challenging recovery.

Today, our mom is in inpatient rehabilitation, receiving intensive therapy five days a week to regain her independence. She is unable to open her right eye due to nerve damage from surgery and has only partial vision in her left eye. Everyday tasks that were once simple now require immense effort and patience.

Here’s her message in her own words:

“There are so many things happening in the world right now that make all of us worry about the future. I never imagined I would be facing this chapter of my life, but here I am—writing this from a hospital bed after spending the past four weeks in the hospital.

I am beyond grateful for my family and, most of all, my children. They are my strength. But the truth is, life is about to get very difficult. This experience has been completely life-changing, and there is no way to truly prepare or save for something like this.

After brain surgery, I am now partially blind in one eye and learning how to do even the most basic things again. My brain is healing, but the doctors have explained that it will take time before it functions the way it used to. Every day is a process of relearning, adapting, and pushing forward.

Soon, I will be living on my own while my two children are away at college, along with our two dogs who depend on me. I’ve always been independent, and asking for help is not something that comes easily to me—but right now, I truly need it.

I’m currently at JFK Hospital’s recovery unit, waiting for the next phase of my treatment. The road ahead will require patience, therapy, and support. Whether it’s financial help, a kind message, or a get-well card, every bit of support means more than I can express.

My family has set up this GoFundMe to help us stay on our feet during this time—covering medical expenses, recovery costs, and everyday needs while I focus on healing. When I’m back on my feet, I plan to give back by participating in charity dinners through my alumni network and friends.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support. I would be incredibly grateful for anything you’re able to give to help our little family through this chapter. Sending love and hugs your way ”

At the same time, our family is trying to stay afloat. Her daughter is finishing her senior year at Penn State, graduating from nursing school this May, and her son has just begun at NJIT, studying computer science. With our mom unable to work and ongoing medical and living expenses, we are asking for help during this incredibly difficult time.

Every donation, share, and kind word will help cover medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and everyday needs, allowing our mom to focus on what matters most: healing and rebuilding her life.

Thank you for being part of her journey and for helping our family during this challenging time.