I've known Virginia for 16 years - we met when we were both pregnant with our daughters in 2004.  Virginia is an incredible mother - strong, resilient, determined, but right now she needs our love and support. She has been a single mom to 2 incredible kids, ages 15 and 11 since their dad passed away several years ago.

Recently, V was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. This has caused a benign tumor to grow on her spinal column on the backside of her esophagus right under her jawline. She will have two back-to-back surgeries in early January (earliest possible availability of ICU beds due to COVID). There is a risk of a spinal stroke which would cause paralysis, but leaving the tumor where it is will leave V paralyzed, so this surgery is necessary. Because of the swelling and the area of these procedures, there is a fair chance V will need a feeding tube after surgery.

Until her surgery, V cannot work due to the risk of COVID exposure.  She will have a long recovery post-surgery and it is unclear when she will be able to return to work.  This GoFundMe was created to help a loving, committed Mom take care of her family during this medical procedure and recovery.