My mom, Kirsten, is one of the most amazing people I know. You may know her as your hairdresser, or friend, or both.

In the last nine months, her life has turned upside down. She had a major surgery to remove an acoustic neuroma tumor from her brain in July of 2025. Complications with the procedure have made it extremely difficult for her to work. Cutting hair requires her to be on her feet for long periods of time, which is extremely hard on her mentally and physically.

She has permanently lost her hearing in one ear. The pain from nerve damage is often so intense that she is unable to sleep through the night. She experiences ‘episodes’ of debilitating pain in her head and neck, almost every day.

She has continued to work as much as she is able, but it's been heavily limited by the circumstances. Consequently, she has lost a lot of her clients and income. In whatever free time she has, she is helping to take care of my grandfather who is 92. All the while keeping a positive attitude.

My goal is to help alleviate some of the financial stress that her inability to work has put on her. The medical bills continue to roll in as we navigate the process of her recovery journey. She works extremely hard to support herself, but right now she needs to focus on the process of healing.

She has spent her whole life caring for me, and everyone around her. I’m hoping that I can rally the community to come together and bring her some comfort during this difficult time.

We are looking forward to her making a strong recovery, getting back to full time work and doing all the things she loves to do.

If anyone is curious to learn more about acoustic neuroma procedure, you can click the link below.

Johns Hopkins - Acoustic Neuroma Center

Thank you,

-Colin