Hi, my name is Charlene and I have started this gofundme to help my dear friend Angela and her daughter Kelsee. Angela and Kelsee mean the world to me. I had the privilege of working with Angela 7 years ago and fell in love with her. She is truly the strongest woman I ever met. She has been a constant source of strength for her daughter since her fight started when she was in the fourth grade. Here is some of Kelsee’s story.

Kelsee was diagnosed with a low grade glioma (brain cancer) when she was in fourth grade. This causes her to have seizures. She had brain surgery in 2016 and 2019 but they were not able to remove all of it. Despite surgery, MRIs showed that the tumor was progressing and had spread to her spine as well. She started on an oral chemo in October of 2021, but her tumors again progressed. She was then changed to intravenous chemotherapy given every 4 weeks at Duke. As a result of this chemotherapy, she often has low blood counts (blood is drawn weekly) and sometime resorts in other trips to Duke for platelet infusions and blood transfusions. At her last MRI in January, the tumors were still slowly progressing. This type of chemo called Carboplatin has caused her to have some hearing loss.

They recently went to Duke and had to stop her chemo due to the tumor at the base of the spine shown growth in just the short time since her previous MRI. The tumor is located in the spinal column above the coccyx but below the spinal cord. However, she is having more pain and showing more symptoms of growth. The tumor board met and decided to do radiation to try to shrink the tumor to alleviate pain and symptoms. They agreed that it could not wait until Christmas. They will go back to Duke on September 13th to meet with the radiology Dr.. Since they want to start radiation sooner hopefully they will find out that day when the rounds will begin. This will require Kelsee, Angela and her aunt to stay in Durham Monday through Friday for 6 weeks and come home on the weekend. Our prayer is that the radiation shrinks this tumor. It’s so difficult to see her in pain!! Please continue to keep Kelsee and their family in your prayers as they navigate this unknown! We know God has her in the palm of her hands and that He will take care of her!! We continually thank you for all your love, prayers and support during this difficult time!! We ask for Kelsee’s healing and comfort!! Love to you all! you for your prayers and support for this family!

If you are able to donate any amount will be greatly appreciated!