Michaela and The Rare Brain Tumor

Hi everyone!

My name is Alicia.

This is a fundraiser for a dear sweet friend of mine. Her name is Michaela Cash. She was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called an empendymoma. It is a central nervous system tumor. Just a few weeks ago, she was just a bright light in this world who suffered with migraines, dizziness and nausea. I'm sure those of you who experience migraines know just how debilitating these can be. However, her life as she knows it has taken a sharp left since the diagnosis and now she and her family find themselves in a situation they were not prepared for.

She got a call for a second opinion today, and they wanted to see her immediately, so she took the road trip to The Brain Tumor Center at Duke Medical from Peachland, NC.

Michaela is a sweet, kind, and wonderful soul.

She deserves all that is good. Please keep her in your thoughts for us. If you can find it your means to donate, any little bit helps. She has quite the road ahead of her, as well as her dear family. These funds will help them afford to stay close to Michaela if Duke takes her in. These funds will help shelter and feed Michaela and her family during this time. And if we reach beyond our goal, this can help her with her worry of the large medical expenses.

Below is a copy of a brave post she made a week ago that explains this situation that she currently finds herself:

"Hey y'all.

I wanted to get ahead of this and put it all out there, before it really begins to make its rounds. So, anyway...

- 5 months ago: I was referred to a neurologist for severe headaches, and problems with dizziness, balance, vision

- 8 days ago: I finally met with my neurologist

- 7 days ago: I was diagnosed with a very rare type of brain tumor (approx. 200 cases in the US per year)

- 2 days ago: I met my neurosurgeon and had one of the hardest conversations of my life. The mass is large and occupying my 4th ventricle entirely, pressed against my brain stem, and atop my spinal cord. The location will make for an intense and difficult 8-12hr surgery (not counting potential mishaps). The recovery ahead will also be long and challenging. Including the need for radiation, possibly chemo. This surgery will take place in less than 3 weeks. Along with another MRI of my spine to clear any potential tumor spread.

- Yesterday: I said goodbye to my little mountain house and hello again to Peachland, so the people who love me most can take care of me.

- Today: I'm still processing how quickly my entire life has changed in one week's time, and in ways I can't even imagine.

There is so much I don't know or understand. But what I do know, what hasn't changed, is I am loved. I am so loved. I am blessed. I am holding on to the Lord Who made me, and those He gave me. And no matter how dark or scary the road may be ahead, my story isn't over yet. I have to believe that.

I cherish your prayers and good thoughts, not just for me but for my family. Please also love on your own - all it takes is one phone call to change everything forever. We don't get to choose that, but we can choose to love. Waste no moment, leave nothing unsaid, take whatever chance you need to. I'll see you along the rest of this ride and maybe for just a little Bearcat football tonight."