Fundraising for Mandy's Brain Tumor

Don & I traveled to Los Angeles, CA 12/29/2014 to meet with a very specialized neurosurgeon, Dr. Hrayr Shahinian, with the Skull Base Institute. The appt went very well. The doctor spent an hour with us explaining and showing Don & I from my latest brain scan what is really going on. It's a BRAIN TUMOR in the farthest recess of the brain and it must be removed. It has grown to a size that is nearly blocking any fluid to get around it and if I were to wait much longer Hydrocephalus would set in and I'd need to go into the ER to have a stint put in to drain the fluid, thus reducing swelling of the brain before surgery. It is causing all of the problems that I have been experiencing this past year. If I waited a year by then he figures I'll not be able to walk because of balance and I'd loose my vision along with all my other issues greatly increasing and becoming more problematic. I am grateful to know this is operable; however, there are 90 people ahead of me on the list so it's looking like surgery will be in the next 2-3 months in LA. We (Don & I) have to figure out fundraising options because we have to come up with $28,550 dollars out of pocket just for the surgeon not including our portion of the hospital stay and fees as well as travel expenses. A very dear friend of ours, Jennifer Hodge Van Gieson, who happens to be the wife of our family doctor, is spearheading fundraising efforts. We have a goal of $80,000 that we're aiming for to cover our portion of the surgeon, hospital and travel expenses since I will need to stay in the LA area for at least a week. A GoFundMe account has been set-up, by clicking on the link below anyone may make a secure, on-line donation. What's wonderful is that family and friends from all around the world may make contributions through this site. It's difficult to ask for money but I know that miracles happen, this has certainly been manifested to Don and I this past week. We are trying to move forward with a positive and hopeful attitude. We appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for your continued prayers, love and support.