Mary Lorraine’s Fight Against Brain Cancer
Donation protected
On May 29, 2022, Mary Mapes was experiencing some weakness on her right side and decided (with a little encouragement from her friends) to get checked out at an urgent care facility.
She was then sent to Howard County Hospital where she received a scan that showed a large mass on her brain. She was transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore where the neurology team confirmed the mass needed to be removed right away. Mary had brain surgery just days later to remove and biopsy the mass. The results of the biopsy showed the mass to be a grade 4 Astrocytoma brain tumor, also referred to as a Glioblastoma.
Mary’s team of doctors have decided on a treatment plan that includes 6 weeks of radiation five days a week, as well as chemotherapy 7 days a week. She will have a break for one month, followed by an additional six months of chemotherapy. She began her treatment on July 7th.
There are many beautiful things we could say about Mary, but the first thing that comes to mind is her incredible ability and willingness to show up for the people she cares for. Whether it be her enthusiasm to celebrate a birthday or an exciting milestone, or her steady and unwavering presence during a hard time, she is always there. When times are hard, she never looks away. Mary has touched so many lives, especially though her work in the program and her years raising money and awareness for cancer through Relay for Life. She is truly one of a kind.
Many of you have asked how you can show up for Mary and help her through her journey. It goes without saying that your thoughts, prayers, and kind words have meant the world to her. Please keep them up! We’ve also started this page for anyone who would like to, and have the means to donate towards her expenses associated with her diagnosis, such as out of pocket medical expenses, future potential lost wages, travel, meals, and anything else she may need to make her recovery a little easier.
Despite the difficult journey ahead, Mary has vowed to fight this disease for herself, her friends, her family, and especially for her children and grandchildren. Again, we cannot thank you all enough for your continued support and love during this time.
She was then sent to Howard County Hospital where she received a scan that showed a large mass on her brain. She was transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore where the neurology team confirmed the mass needed to be removed right away. Mary had brain surgery just days later to remove and biopsy the mass. The results of the biopsy showed the mass to be a grade 4 Astrocytoma brain tumor, also referred to as a Glioblastoma.
Mary’s team of doctors have decided on a treatment plan that includes 6 weeks of radiation five days a week, as well as chemotherapy 7 days a week. She will have a break for one month, followed by an additional six months of chemotherapy. She began her treatment on July 7th.
There are many beautiful things we could say about Mary, but the first thing that comes to mind is her incredible ability and willingness to show up for the people she cares for. Whether it be her enthusiasm to celebrate a birthday or an exciting milestone, or her steady and unwavering presence during a hard time, she is always there. When times are hard, she never looks away. Mary has touched so many lives, especially though her work in the program and her years raising money and awareness for cancer through Relay for Life. She is truly one of a kind.
Many of you have asked how you can show up for Mary and help her through her journey. It goes without saying that your thoughts, prayers, and kind words have meant the world to her. Please keep them up! We’ve also started this page for anyone who would like to, and have the means to donate towards her expenses associated with her diagnosis, such as out of pocket medical expenses, future potential lost wages, travel, meals, and anything else she may need to make her recovery a little easier.
Despite the difficult journey ahead, Mary has vowed to fight this disease for herself, her friends, her family, and especially for her children and grandchildren. Again, we cannot thank you all enough for your continued support and love during this time.
Co-organisers (2)
Sarah Hughes
Organiser
Crofton, MD
Mary Mapes
Beneficiary
Christina DiSilvestre
Co-organiser