Mikayla and Drew Callaghan

A couple of months ago, our sister Mikayla Callaghan was hit with some pretty shocking medical news that is going to require a pretty invasive brain surgery that is scheduled for January 25-26th.

From Mikayla:

"On October 2nd, I woke up around 3:00 a.m. to a seizure. After blacking out, I woke up a few hours later and took a trip to the emergency room with an intense migraine. I was released a few hours later after the ER doctor ruled it as a possible sleep apnea episode. Later that week, I had a follow up appointment with my primary care doctor in Overland Park due to the seizure, as well as headaches, foot numbness, and loss of speech I have been experiencing over the course of 2022. My doctor ordered me an MRI and MRA, which I was finally able to have on Monday, November 7th. Later that day, we received a call that I have a golfball size meningioma (a brain tumor) in my left frontal lobe. The meningioma has invaded the center line of my brain, which had been causing all of my symptoms.

This past week as been a whirlwind of emotions and doctors appointments. After speaking with neurologists and neurosurgeons, we are hopeful that the tumor is benign and can be removed successfully. As we navigate this new and unexpected chapter in our lives, Drew and I can’t thank our family and friends enough for all the love, prayers, and support we have received. Thank you all for the flowers, gift cards, meals, calls, and texts this past week. We are scared, but hopeful!"

Mikayla has been the tough, strong fighter that we've always known her to be. Through all of this, Mikayla and Drew made the move from Kansas City area back to Lincoln in order for Drew to begin a new job in Omaha and for Mikayla to be around family that can help her with her recovery, which is potentially going to take up to 8 weeks post-surgery. Mikayla has also left her job due to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) complications and for other reasons related to her health.

Many people have asked our family how they can help with Mikayla during this time. We are asking, if you are comfortable and able to do so, for some help for Mikayla and Drew in the way of donating to the GoFundMe attached to this site, or through some grocery deliveries through Shipt. Anything will help. Thank you so much in advance.