Help Everly Domstrand Fight Her Biggest Battle Yet

If you’ve ever met Everly, you know she lights up every room she bounces into. She’s a caring, loving, rambunctious kindergartner who adores her siblings, loves to laugh, and has a spirit far bigger than her tiny frame.

But this fall, Everly’s world — and her family’s — changed in an instant.

A Sudden Turn No Family Is Ever Prepared For

Around Halloween, Everly's family noticed she was a little unsteady on her feet. She had fallen a few times, and something just didn’t feel right. After a visit to her doctor, they were immediately sent to Children’s Hospital, where their worst fears were confirmed: Everly had a tumor on her brain.

At first, doctors believed it to be a DIPG tumor, a diagnosis no parent should ever hear. With that diagnosis came a life expectancy of just 6-8 weeks without treatment and only 9-12 months with treatment.

But Everly’s family refused to give up hope. They advocated for a biopsy — and that decision changed everything.

A New Path Forward

The biopsy revealed that Everly’s tumor is not a DIPG. Still dangerous and still serious, but unknown — and with that unknown came new possibilities.

Her family traveled to the Mayo Clinic, where the neurosurgical team confirmed that while Everly does have a brain tumor, it is not the original devastating diagnosis. It is, however, still an undiagnosed type of brain tumor.

On Tuesday, November 25, Everly underwent a six-hour debulking surgery, during which her surgeon was able to remove more than 50% of the tumor. She amazed everyone with her bravery throughout this ongoing ordeal.

UPDATE: On December 10, the biopsy results finally provided a diagnosis of ETMR tumor, which is very aggressive and will require intensive treatment.

Everly’s Battle Today

Recovery from the surgeries and planning further care to treat the newly diagnosed ETMR tumor has been challenging. Everly is currently experiencing:

These symptoms are caused by pressure and strain on her nerves from both the tumor and the surgeries. She will be attending physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy regularly in the months ahead. She will also need a brace for her right leg and will require a wheelchair at times.

And yet, through every hardship, Everly still smiles. She still loves. She still fights. She has taught all of us so much about strength, bravery, and faith.

What Comes Next

Everly will spend the next few weeks healing before beginning proton radiation therapy at the Mayo Clinic. These treatments will require Everly’s mom, Beth, to be away from her other four children and family for roughly 6 weeks, possibly longer. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy, may also be needed.

Between medical bills from the Children’s Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, travel, lodging, and lost work time, the financial strain on the family is overwhelming — all while they try to focus on giving Everly every chance to heal.

How You Can Help

This GoFundMe has been created on behalf of my cousin Chris Domstrand and his family to help alleviate the financial burden on the family as they navigate this long and uncertain road. Chris Domstrand is a U.S. Marine Corp veteran currently serving in the Army National Guard, who has been awarded a purple heart and served 3 combat tours. 

Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly to the family to help with:

If you cannot give financially, your prayers, shares, and encouragement mean the world to this family.

Everly Is Fighting. Let’s Fight With Her.

Please join us in lifting up Everly and her family as they face the toughest chapter of their lives. Your support allows them to focus on what matters most: helping Everly heal.

Thank you for loving, supporting, and praying for this beautiful 5 year old girl.