Help the Stevens Family as they Fight Brain Cancer

Life has a way of testing even the kindest and most joyous souls with the hardest trials.

We call ourselves Irene’s prayer warriors—a group of friends and roommates, sisters in Christ, who spent our college years together at Biola University in the late 80s/early 90s. With permission from Irene and Todd, we are starting this gofundme.

In a moment that no family ever expects to face, the Stevens family’s world changed completely. On August 2, 2024, Irene was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor. Since then she has had two surgeries, multiple treatments, chemotherapy and radiation, and various physical therapies to fight this heartbreaking diagnosis. Recently, she has had limitations in walking on her own, as her left side especially has limited use.

Irene’s family is helping in every way possible to assist her at home and in the hospital, driving her to treatments and therapy, and encouraging her every step of the way. Their son Aiden is a senior in high school, and their daughter Savanna lives out of state. Irene’s parents live nearby and help when they can.

Because of this diagnosis, Irene is unable to continue working. As her devoted and loving caregiver, Todd often needs to take time off work as well.

If you know Irene, you know she is a light to all who meet her and know her. She is the most selfless, kind, loving person and has such a heart for others. When we think of Irene, we think of her contagious laugh, her smile, her devotion to prayer for others, and her faith.

During these past months while she is fighting cancer, she continues to encourage others and tells of how God is working in her life. She focuses more on how everyone else is doing, and she really is the hands and feet of Jesus. Even in the midst of her battle, she is always caring and praying for others.

It is beautiful to see her husband Todd cook for her, transport her, and take off work to take her to her treatments in order to be with her and encourage her. He is a huge cheerleader for her, and he is certainly living out the vows he said the day they got married—taking care of her in sickness and in health! They are a sweet couple who love Jesus and each other. Todd is still teaching a Dave Ramsay course at church, and they are in a small Bible study group together. Both Irene and Todd care for others, and they are all about fun and laughter and being social!

Our hope is to bless the Stevens family and help them in this time of difficulty. The funds will be used for assistance in the home, hospital costs, and all the extra expenses that pile up with a medical diagnosis like this. We know it would also help with regular life expenses.

Whether or not you know Irene and Todd, your donation (big or small) will make a meaningful difference. Together, we can wrap our arms around this beautiful family and let them know we are sitting with them in this time of difficulty. We believe Irene is in HIS hands and that He will walk with her through this battle and has a wonderful plan for her and the entire Stevens family!