Help Support DeAnna’s Brain Surgery and Recovery

Hi everyone —

My name is DeAnna Kirk, and I’m reaching out during one of the most difficult times in my life.

In February 2025, I was diagnosed with a left frontal lobe meningioma brain tumor . It’s pressing into my brain, causing swelling, fluid buildup, and serious cognitive issues. I already had previous brain damage in that area, and this tumor is making things much worse.

Over the past few years, I’ve been dealing with increasing symptoms—difficulty speaking, thinking clearly, remembering things, and doing everyday tasks. I’ve had to stop working and can’t drive anymore. Life has gotten a lot harder.

After countless appointments, I’ve been referred to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where I’ll see a surgeon who specializes in operating on the dominant hemisphere of the brain (the left side, where my tumor is). My first consultation is on April 25th, and I’ll need to travel back and forth for treatment with at least one of my daughters by my side because I can't travel alone.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far from my doctors and consultation with a second neurosurgeon:

- The tumor is atypical, growing out along the surface of my brain with a “tail,” and pressing in.

- It’s not inside the brain tissue itself, but it's causing swelling (edema), irritation, and even absence seizures —like my brain is resetting.

- When I lie down, my brain swells up to 7mm (almost ¾ cm). I now have to sleep with my head raised 5 inches above my heart to help reduce the pressure and improve clarity, memory, and pain.

- I’ve been told to avoid lifting more than 20 lbs or doing anything that gets me red in the face, as that can increase brain pressure.

I’ve been referred to a neurologist who will order more testing, including an EEG and neurologic evaluation.

I’m a right-handed, left-brain dominant person—which means this tumor is affecting the part of my brain responsible for speech, decision-making, and communication. Because of the location and symptoms, surgery is the safest path forward. Radiation isn’t a good option here—it could cause more swelling and harm than help.

This is an extremely emotional and scary time, and I’m trying to focus on getting through it one step at a time. But the truth is, I really need help.

I’m asking for support with:

- Medical expenses

- Travel and lodging costs** for my Boston trips

- Help during recovery with things I can’t manage on my own anymore—yard work, plumbing, cleaning, etc.

I’m a single-income household with people depending on me, and this has turned our world upside down.

If you’re able to donate, share, or just send your love and support, it would mean everything to me and my family. Truly—any amount helps, and just knowing we’re not going through this alone gives us strength we didn’t know we had. <3

We know we have a long journey ahead. Thank you so much for reading and for being here with us. <3

Love,

The Kirk Girls