Hit Ian's baseball size brain tumor outta the park

Gillian, or as her friends know her "Ian" started to get vertigo, really bad nausea, unsteady gait, and hearing loss back in December 2020. After 6 very long months of trying to get answers of what was wrong with her: 1) Urgent Care giving her Flonase and Zyzal for her hearing loss in her left ear; 2) Several different doctor visits with an outcome of them telling her that she suffered from allergies, to having a stiff neck, or she is just stressed - advising her to get a massage for her condition; 3) Seeing different chiropractors, being told by them that she had a stiff neck, and that she was a "HOT MESS"; 4) Acupuncture; 5) Nerve conduction testing, etc. Ian was FINALLY sent in for an MRI. The results of the MRI showed that Ian had a baseball sized tumor above her cerebellum, and the tumor was twisted around her brain stem, encroaching her left ear nerves and growing into her sinus cavity. Ian was scheduled for an emergency Left Retrosigmoid Craniotomy out of town, in LA, at Keck Hospital of USC, away from family and friends. 

The team of surgeons weren't able to remove all of the tumor. However, they were able to remove about 4 cm of the tumor, saving all of the nerves. Ian has some severe deficits from the surgery, including loss of hearing in her left ear, paralyzed left side of her face - causing facial drooping, unable to see well out of her left eye, as well as being unable to swallow. With the left side of her face paralyzed, Ian uses a lot of energy to communicate. 

Ian is currently on a feeding tube and needs two assistants to help her walk to use the restroom, etc. 

Ian will need at least one year of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as a possible secondary surgery, AND/OR radiation, to remove the remainder of the brain tumor. 

Ian is going to need lots of support, as she will be out of work and traveling out of state for specialists and therapy.


Go Fund Me has asked Ian's story to be updated with the following:

We ask that you include or confirm that the following information is shared in your story:

1. Who you are and your relationship to the parties you're raising funds for.  We are Gillian's (Ian's) parents, Kevin and Laura Karaer.

2. How the funds will be used (be specific as possible, if this information isn’t already shared). Funds will be used for all Gillian's medical expenses; co-pays, deductibles, and medical supplies. In addition, the funds will be used for out of state travel and lodging, which she will need again when continuing her treatment in L. A. Also, the funds will be used for any specialty doctor's and therapies not covered by insurance. The funds will also cover Gillian's living expenses and bills, as she will be out of work for quite some time. 

3. If you intend to withdraw the money yourself, include how you plan to send the funds to the parties you're raising money for or how you plan to use the money on their behalf. Funds will be withdrawn for all the above stated reasons, which was described in question #2. We will keep detailed records of all receipts and withdrawals, continually keeping Gillian updated with any and all withdrawals. We will be with our daughter for all medical appointments, and assist Gillian with paying all of her daily/monthly living expenses. 


We are so grateful to everyone for the their love and support.  Thank you so much!!