Jen's Brain Trust
Donation protected
On February 9th, my friend Jen Goldfarb received some terrible news: she has a type of brain cancer called meningioma.
For the past nine months, Jen's neuro-opthalmologist had been treating her for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, prescribing medications with debilitating side effects, and yet her symptoms were getting worse. Jen developed blind spots, double vision, fatigue, chronic migraines, and eye pain. Some days, the pain was so excruciating that she couldn't get out of bed. Finally, a contrast MRI revealed a cancerous tumor in the outer coating of her brain:
The tumor has grown around and into the saggital sinus, a venous structure that allows blood to drain from the brain, partially blocking it. Because of its location, the mass can't be removed, so the goal of Jen's treatment will be to prevent the tumor from growing and to relieve the pressure causing her vision loss and migraines.
The first step will be brain surgery to insert a shunt that will allow blood and fluid to drain from her brain. The surgery, scheduled for March 2nd, will require 1-2 days post-op recovery at the hospital, followed by up to four weeks out of work. During that time, Jen will not be able to drive and will be limited in what she can do around the house (cooking, cleaning, etc). The next step will be gamma knife radiation, which thankfully has a much faster recovery time.
When Jen told me, all I could think about was how incredibly unfair it is that this is happening to one of the best people I know. Seriously, a BRAIN CANCER diagnosis four days before her 35th birthday?!
Though it's hard to sum up in one brief paragraph, and even though it embarrasses Jen to read it, here is why you should donate and share this page: Jen is one of the most selfless and compassionate people I've ever met. A licensed clinical social worker, she is constantly worried about and caring for everyone around her--friends, family, clients, coworkers, and even animals. At her job, she helps formerly homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. As a friend, Jen is always the first person to offer help, loan money, cheer you up, or just listen to your problems. During the appointment when she learned she would need surgery, Jen was most worried about causing a burden for her coworkers. (Jen also thinks you should know the following very important things about her: she's vegetarian, she has a gold tooth, she has 4 cats and a dog, and she can kick your ass at original 8-bit NES Mario.)
During her time off from work, Jen will need financial support for copays, transportation, a healthy meal delivery service, and complementary therapy. Please donate whatever you can--even $5 or $10--to help someone who is always helping others.
For the past nine months, Jen's neuro-opthalmologist had been treating her for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, prescribing medications with debilitating side effects, and yet her symptoms were getting worse. Jen developed blind spots, double vision, fatigue, chronic migraines, and eye pain. Some days, the pain was so excruciating that she couldn't get out of bed. Finally, a contrast MRI revealed a cancerous tumor in the outer coating of her brain:
The tumor has grown around and into the saggital sinus, a venous structure that allows blood to drain from the brain, partially blocking it. Because of its location, the mass can't be removed, so the goal of Jen's treatment will be to prevent the tumor from growing and to relieve the pressure causing her vision loss and migraines.
The first step will be brain surgery to insert a shunt that will allow blood and fluid to drain from her brain. The surgery, scheduled for March 2nd, will require 1-2 days post-op recovery at the hospital, followed by up to four weeks out of work. During that time, Jen will not be able to drive and will be limited in what she can do around the house (cooking, cleaning, etc). The next step will be gamma knife radiation, which thankfully has a much faster recovery time.
When Jen told me, all I could think about was how incredibly unfair it is that this is happening to one of the best people I know. Seriously, a BRAIN CANCER diagnosis four days before her 35th birthday?!
Though it's hard to sum up in one brief paragraph, and even though it embarrasses Jen to read it, here is why you should donate and share this page: Jen is one of the most selfless and compassionate people I've ever met. A licensed clinical social worker, she is constantly worried about and caring for everyone around her--friends, family, clients, coworkers, and even animals. At her job, she helps formerly homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. As a friend, Jen is always the first person to offer help, loan money, cheer you up, or just listen to your problems. During the appointment when she learned she would need surgery, Jen was most worried about causing a burden for her coworkers. (Jen also thinks you should know the following very important things about her: she's vegetarian, she has a gold tooth, she has 4 cats and a dog, and she can kick your ass at original 8-bit NES Mario.)
During her time off from work, Jen will need financial support for copays, transportation, a healthy meal delivery service, and complementary therapy. Please donate whatever you can--even $5 or $10--to help someone who is always helping others.
Organizer and beneficiary
Louisa Alexander
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
Jennifer Goldfarb
Beneficiary
