Stephen’s Fight Continues: Radiation, Chemotherapy & the Road Ahead

First, we want to thank every single person who has donated, shared, prayed, reached out, or simply kept Stephen in their thoughts. The love and support you have shown our family through this has meant more than I could ever put into words.

Stephen has now undergone his second brain surgery for his Grade 2 astrocytoma. We are incredibly grateful that he made it through surgery and is recovering, but unfortunately, this journey is far from over.

His doctors at City of Hope have recommended that the next phase of treatment begin with six weeks of radiation, five days a week, followed by approximately 12 months of chemotherapy. The goal is to treat the tumor as aggressively as possible now and reduce the risk of it progressing or returning as a higher-grade tumor.

At the same time, we are currently appealing an insurance denial for this treatment, adding another layer of uncertainty and stress at a time when our only focus should be getting Stephen the care he needs.

Because his treatment is at City of Hope in California, there are also significant expenses associated with extended lodging, transportation, meals, medical costs, and being away from home while he receives daily radiation. As his mom, I will be there with him throughout this next chapter.

We originally created this fundraiser to help Stephen through his second brain surgery. We never imagined that we would now be facing weeks of radiation followed by a year of chemotherapy. So I am updating this fundraiser because Stephen still needs us.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you cannot donate, sharing Stephen’s fundraiser is just as meaningful and helps us reach people we could never reach on our own.

Stephen has already shown more strength, courage, and determination than I can adequately describe. We are taking this one appointment, one treatment, and one day at a time.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for continuing to stand beside Stephen and our family. ❤️