Hey everyone, I was recently diagnosed with a large benign brain tumor that needs to be surgically removed. I have been having severe left sided headaches, dizzy spells, and hearing loss in my left ear. The tumor is about 3.8cm and has been causing swelling of my brain and has shifted my brainstem to the right.

The surgery will take around 12 hours, with a few nights in the ICU and about a week stay in the hospital- pending no complications. I will have to work with physical therapy to help with my balance and walking, due to the removal of my vestibular nerve. I may have facial paralysis on my left side after surgery due to the compression from the tumor on my facial nerve.

This has been a very shocking and scary process, but I am seeking the best care at Johns Hopkins. I'm grateful this is a benign tumor, and I know things could always be worse! I am very hopeful all will go smoothly, and I will bounce back to my normal self in a couple of months!

The love and support I have received is overwhelming and I am so appreciative of it. I'm starting a fundraiser to help with medical costs I may accrue for surgery, hospital stay, physical therapy and for loss of time working. I expect nothing from this, but am thankful for any help <3