In Her Brain Surgery Era (Bailey’s Version)

Hi everyone,

Our family is going through something we never imagined. My 17-year-old niece, Bailey, was recently diagnosed with a large brain tumor after a year of worsening headaches. She endured a 22 hour long surgery on 8/1 to remove the tumor and is now recovering at Doernbecher’s Children’s Hospital. We’re still waiting to learn exactly what type it is, and what the road ahead will look like — but what we do know is that the recovery will be long, and she won’t be able to do it alone.

Bailey’s mom, Maria, has been at the hospital by her side since the moment she was admitted. Maria is a single mom, currently pregnant, raising three kids — 17-year-old Bailey and 8-year-old twins. She works as a server to support her family, and she’s also working hard to build a better future by attending nursing school (currently on summer break).

But all of that has had to be put on hold.

Maria has already missed over 10 days of work, and there’s no option for paid leave. Once Bailey is discharged, she’ll need round-the-clock care, follow-up appointments, and supervision, which means Maria will need to miss even more work to help her daughter heal — all while being pregnant and managing the twins, who Bailey used to help care for sometimes while Maria worked.

There is no discharge plan yet, no income at the moment, and no way to meet the growing costs of life, recovery, and survival without help.

How You Can Help:

We’re raising funds to help cover Maria’s lost income, basic expenses, and Bailey’s post-surgery needs — including time off work, travel to appointments, and help with childcare while Maria focuses on being a mom, nurse, and advocate.

Anything you can give — whether it’s $5, a share, or a kind message — means the world. This is a scary and overwhelming time, and we’re trying to take it one day at a time.

Maria has always worked hard to provide everything for her kids, and right now, she just needs a chance to focus on what matters most — helping Bailey heal.

Thank you for loving our girl and for lifting our family up.