Hope for Hope Hayes!

**Update 9/21/23:

I spoke with Katelyn a moment ago and told her that I would give an update. The neurologist came in this morning and said Hope has a blood clot in one of her ventricles leading to her brain. As of now, they will keep her in ICU until Monday and the drain will remain in to help drain the clot. Pathology did come back as what they suspected, so radiation is a must. Please keep Hope in your prayers!

The family is so very grateful for your thoughts and prayers, and Angela is blown away by the generous donations #hopeforhope

Hello! As some of you know, my dear friend Katelyn Stinson’s 16 year old niece, Hope Hayes, was admitted to OU Children’s Hospital on September 13th, following a very serious emergency brain surgery after Dr. Kale Hunter found a mass at the Ardmore Emergency Room and had her transferred.

Katelyn’s sister, Angela (Jester) Bryant has been by her daughter Hope’s side in OKC at OU Children’s ever since. Many people know Angela from Cafe Alley- she’s such a kind person with a generous heart and I would love to help her out during this difficult time as she’s not able to work.

Hope is making progress, but has a long road ahead of her. The tumor found, called an Ependymoma, was wrapped around her spinal cord where it met her cerebellum and measured at 5cm x 3cm. You can imagine what a risky and lengthy surgery this was, which required intubation through that night until the next day. Surgery was successful as 100% of the tumor was removed!

Hope has amazing care at OU Children’s and they’re hoping she can soon move from ICU to a regular room once the drain is removed. She was finally able to get up and walk today, and the family was so relieved to learn that her speech nor her memory were affected, PTL!

Once released from the hospital, Hope will receive home healthcare followed by radiation treatments which means more trips back and forth for appointments in OKC. This particular cancer will not respond to chemotherapy, but can greatly respond to radiation.

While Hope is in great care, we would love to help Angela out by lessening their burden financially. They’re currently away from home which means hotels and take-out food all while trying to care for their other children. If you are able to donate, I know they would be so very appreciative, or just sharing this link would mean so much! Please continue to keep Hope and her family in your prayers during this time

*All funds will be going to Angela (Jester) Bryant once this fundraiser has ended.