Hello, my name is Taylor Jewell. My husband Cory was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left frontal oligodendroglioma (cancer tumor in the front left side of his brain) in 2018. We’ve been trying to deal with the symptoms that come with having this as they come, mostly seizures being the most crucial factor of all. He had a procedure to remove what they could in 2019, and he was able to live normally with absolutely no issues for about 5 1/2 years. The seizures ended up coming back in December of 2024. MRIs determined that the tumor they removed had grown back in the same spot from where they removed it before. So after learning this and coming up with a plan, we ended up going through with another procedure following the same process as the first time. Unfortunately, after this time, he developed an infection, a form of MRSA, but not until we were released from the hospital and at home for over 2 weeks trying to recover. So it had time to get into not only his bloodstream but also his brain, causing him to have high fevers, seizures over and over, and excruciating headaches. This set him back even further than the initial procedure did. They had to open him up and wash his brain, remove the infection, and remove his bone flap in case it was infected as well. This has now paralyzed his entire right side, caused horrible speech issues, a drooping mouth, and simply just the odds of not ever being himself again. Well, after what we thought was the worst, a week after this washout and planning for discharge, his blood cultures came back, and the infection is still here, fevers still coming and going. He gets rushed back into emergency surgery to do yet another washout of the brain. Except this time, they need the help of plastic surgeons to come in and find another way to put his scalp back together temporarily. He’s been opened and shut so many times his skin is weak now. Like I said before, he has no bone flap on top of his head, so they will need to open him up later on down the road. He now has 3 drains coming from his head, along with everything else that’s going on. He’s developing issues with his right arm because it’s not moving. It’s swelling. They’re worried it will get blood clots. The antibiotics they have him on are supposed to be the strongest ones. So here we are, back at square one, hoping these doctors have this under control, trusting them while my husband continues to be poked and prodded. As we’re being told that he’ll make it through, our faith is tested during these moments. It’s so hard to believe that this is happening for a reason, but I’m giving it to God. As we restart this process, I’m praying that my husband stays strong and keeps fighting, that he doesn’t lose himself during these hard times.

I wanted to give everyone a rundown on what my family is dealing with. We have 3 children, ages 13, 11, and 7. We’re also 34 weeks pregnant, due on October 8th. I’m working full-time at an assisted living facility, 12-hour shifts. I’m trying to hold my family together the best way I know how. I barely have the time to stretch thin enough for everyone and work. Financially, I’m drowning. I’m doing what I can, but it’s not enough. I’m currently applying for resources that’ll help with bills. I also go on maternity leave when the baby comes, and it’s not paid, unfortunately. So I’m hoping to get things paid up enough to tend to my family considering I’ll be out of work for at least 6 weeks after the baby is born. I’m reaching out in a time of need. Anything is appreciated. Thank you in advance, even just a prayer. My entire family is relying on me.