On June 17, 2026, 2024 Bonners Ferry High School graduate, Taylor Sumpter was diagnosed with a Cerebral Cavernous Malformation, a cluster or a mass of abnormal blood vessels in her brain.

Taylor experienced her first episode in seventh grade. At the time, it was diagnosed as a migraine. Over the years, she continued to suffer from what doctors believed were migraines and was prescribed various migraine medications. Unfortunately, her symptoms became progressively worse, especially over the past year.

The brain lesion caused episodes that resulted in vision loss and numbness in her arms. Concerned by the severity of her symptoms, her parents took her to the emergency room in Sandpoint. Initially, doctors were reluctant to perform imaging or extensive testing, but a CT scan was eventually completed and revealed a mass in her brain.

Following the CT scan, Taylor underwent an MRI and was referred to a neurologist. Unfortunately, it took nearly two months to get an appointment. During that time, she continued to experience episodes that were later diagnosed as silent seizures, in addition to multiple mini-strokes.

These strokes have caused areas of dead brain tissue. Both the cavernous malformation and the damaged tissue must be removed to prevent continued seizures and strokes.

Over the past year, Taylor has suffered at least 10 grand mal seizures.

At the time of her diagnosis, Taylor was working two jobs. Because of this condition, she was forced to leave one of those positions and significantly reduce her hours at the other.

Taylor and her parents will travel to Seattle on September 24 for a functional MRI. This specialized imaging will help surgeons map critical areas of her brain before surgery. On September 30, she will undergo brain surgery to remove both the malformation and the damaged brain tissue.

One of the risks associated with the procedure is a 22% chance of losing part of her left peripheral vision. The functional MRI is expected to help reduce that risk and give her surgical team the best possible information before surgery.

Following the operation, Taylor is expected to spend two days in the ICU and an additional two days in the hospital. If everything goes as planned, she hopes to return home on October 5.

Recovery will be a long journey. Taylor will be unable to work for at least four to six weeks following surgery and will require ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Anyone who knows Taylor knows how hard she works and how much she loves her job. Her employer has been incredibly supportive throughout this difficult process, and Taylor is eager to return to work as soon as she is medically able.

Unfortunately, she does not have access to paid sick leave or any paid time off benefits and she is faced with a high deductible and travel and living expenses during this time. The financial burden, combined with the stress of her condition, has been overwhelming. Stress can increase the likelihood of seizures and further complications, but we remain hopeful that this surgery will give Taylor the opportunity to live a seizure-free and stroke-free life.

Taylor and her family are deeply grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support during this challenging time. Every kind word, prayer, and contribution means more than we can express. Thank you for standing with Taylor and her family as they face this journey together.