Hi, I'm raising funds to help my brother, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. We first thought it might be a stroke, but later found out the tumor is causing the symptoms and his inability to perform many daily tasks. He's been unable drive or work and the medical bills are just beginning. And of course he still has to provide for his family.

He has a son in high school who is an amazing athlete and a college age daughter at home still, plus a couple of grandkids just a few hours away.

My brother and his family are the nicest people, just living their lives and raising their children, then this suddenly occurs. It's so challenging to navigate the medical system when you're sick, tired, and scared for yourself and your family. It would be amazing if they could worry a little less about money, so I'm asking for help on their behalf.

A message from the family:

Hi friends and family,

The rock of our family, James Corbin, has recently been impacted by a scary and complex health situation. I will do my best to explain it, but the truth is there are still lots of unknowns. In mid-January, James started experiencing some mild balance issues. As symptoms rapidly progressed, we noticed the balance declining, slurred speech and problems with vision in one eye. Over the past month we have watched the man we know to be capable of so much, deteriorate and lose the ability to live the life he always has. Initially, we were told it could be an inner ear issue, then told it was a stroke, and now it has been determined to be a mass/tumor within his inferior fourth ventricle of the brain. We have been told that the fourth ventricle plays a role in the production and drainage of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid). Finding the right diagnosis has been an exhausting and ongoing challenge for all. We are told the tumor is small but it is located in an extremely challenging area to remove.

As I watched my husband of 29 years struggle and decline we were worried about more damage being done to James’ body and brain, I convinced him to go the ER at UTSW on Wednesday. He had been admitted and after four chaotic and frustrating days, we still do not have all the answers and what the future holds is unknown.

We are told to be grateful that the fluid buildup does not require emergency surgery at this time. This allows the neurosurgery team time to carefully review all the images and develop the best plan of attack. As a family we are staying hopeful and optimistic as we wait to hear from the doctors. Currently, the waiting and the unknowns is the hardest of it all. We are asking for all the prayers and good thoughts you can send our way.

Anyone who knows James knows what a social person he is. He is definitely the people person, friend-maker in our relationship. He really hates to text and prefers to check in with his people with a good ol’ fashioned phone call. It has been very hard watching him struggle with his words and not want to have those calls or not be able to just jump in the car to go watch Max at a football workout. He has been unable to work, and is personally struggling with losing his ability to provide. Sadly, we know this will be a financial burden with medical costs outside of our insurance, and James not being able to work for an undetermined amount of time. We as a family are not unfamiliar with struggle and are truly blessed to have such a strong support system within our immediate family and friends. It is kind of against my nature to share so much publicly, but James is always an open book and willing to share whatever he has to offer. He has always been one of the first to step up and sacrifice whatever necessary, big or small, for anyone.

Now, as a family we are trying to follow in his lead and share and not be afraid to ask for help in any way you can provide it. Whether that is reaching out, sharing, praying, donations, or encouragement of funny memes. James loves a corny dad joke! As we are still unsure of exactly what we will need, anything and all is more than appreciated.

From our family to yours, thank you.

Love,

James, Danielle, Jamison, Jaylen, Ady, & Maximus