Help Support Carol's Journey with Brain Cancer

Carol’s Fight : Our Family’s Heart

On July 3, 2025, our world was turned upside down. That afternoon, we received the devastating news that the dizzy spells and confusion our mother and wife, Carol, had been experiencing were caused by a bilateral glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer occupying both hemispheres. After ten long days of MRIs, neurosurgical consults, and difficult conversations in the hospital, we were told there was no curative path, and our remaining time with her would be short. As a family, we made the painful choice to bring Carol home under hospice care, where comfort - not treatment - guides every decision.

Carol and Steve have been sweethearts since they met at 14 and have weathered more than their fair share of trials and tribulations as well as sharing many wonderful memories and adventures. To say this is a devastating diagnosis doesn't begin to explain the pain experienced by both of them during this time.

Carol has always been the heart and engine of our family. She made average days an adventure and brought holidays and birthdays to life. When we were small, she juggled a bustling home daycare while finding the energy to nurture each of us. Once we were old enough for formal schooling, she transitioned to homeschooling, tailoring lessons to our curiosity and imaginations. She has been our loudest supporter - whether it was sports, school, work, or life’s everyday challenges - and she never hesitated to brag to anyone within earshot how proud she was of her girls. Her laughter is contagious, and her love is the reason each of us knows how to be brave.

Why we’re asking for help

Brain cancer doesn’t just steal time - it drains resources. Even with insurance, the uncovered portion of Carol’s hospital stay, ongoing hospice nursing, medical equipment rentals, and comfort medications involved in caring for her at home add up with startling speed. Any gift, large or small, will help ease the immediate financial strain so we can focus on surrounding Carol with love and peace.

How you can make a difference

If you’re able, a donation of any size will help significantly with the looming medical and caregiving expenses. If giving isn’t possible right now, simply sharing this page or sending an encouraging note means more than we can say. We will post regular updates so you can see exactly how your generosity is helping.

Thank you for standing with Carol, and with us during the hardest chapter of our lives. Your support lets us trade anxiety for gratitude and spend our time where it matters most: holding her hand, sharing stories, and savoring every remaining moment together.

With love and deepest appreciation,

Steve & Carol, Alyss, Elaine, Rose, and Lila