Jailene's Journey with GBM

Hi, my name is Myra, and I am fundraising for my daughter, Jailene.

December 6th, 2021, is a day I will never forget. The day Jailene underwent brain surgery. What should have been a four-hour surgery turned out to be a 7.5-hour surgery. Waiting, with very few updates, watching patients and families entering and leaving the hospital waiting room, we sat. Covid regulations restricted us from seeing Jailene. I begged nurses and doctors to let me see her but was constantly rejected and told I had to wait until she left the recovery room the next day. I told the nurses she would be asking for me, wondering where her Mami was. After constant rejection, they allowed me 5 minutes to see her. During those 5 minutes, I comforted her with hugs and kisses, and left her phone on top of her bed before having to leave to another waiting room awaiting updates. To our surprise, as we waited, Jailene managed to create a group facetime to check in on how we were doing.

That was the moment I realized Jailene’s strength and determination to get better.

As most of our family and friends know, Jailene began experiencing seizures in 2020. These seizures were determined to be panic attacks at the time. However, in October 2021, Jailene experienced a harsh seizure during a school test that led us to seek answers from our primary care physician. Our PCP ordered an MRI, showing a golf ball-sized tumor in her right temporal lobe. After visiting doctors of different specialties, Jailene underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible while allowing doctors to perform a biopsy. Three days after surgery on December 9th, 2021, Jailene was diagnosed with GBM. Glioblastoma Multiforme is defined as a Grade 4 cancer located in the brain. As loved ones, this diagnosis was something we dreaded to hear. We were flooded with statistics, lengthy medical words, and fear. We had received so much good news about her recovery and were expected to be discharged within a matter of days. This news was a surprise and a nightmare to everyone supporting and caring for Jailene.

Then began the tough sleepless nights. We’ve faced anxiety, fear of the unknown, and confusion.

Since then, she has begun chemotherapy and radiation treatment simultaneously. In March of 2022, she completed her radiation treatments and continues to be on chemotherapy today. In addition to chemotherapy, Jailene has begun a new treatment called Optune. This treatment required Jailene to shave her head and wear special headgear to prevent reoccurrences. We are happy to say that since starting her treatments, Jailene has had clear scans with no sign of reoccurrences!

Jailene will have to continue these treatments indefinitely. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover all her medical expenses. Every appointment, test (MRI, Bloodwork, CT), and medication comes with a deductible. These medical costs are added to the already large surgical bill we have been attempting to pay off. Every four months, Jailene must complete new scans to ensure her health. As parents, we try our best to meet Jailene’s needs, but the medical bills have continued to pile up.

We appreciate any donation and continued prayers!

With love,

The Badillo Family

Jailene's Journey