Brain Tumor Diagnosis-Single Mom of 3-Milton, DE

Hi! I’m Mandy from Milton DE. On my 39th birthday I received some tough news – I have a brain tumor. This was May 8, 2023.

After suffering multiple increasingly painful and long duration migraines I was able to receive an order for an MRI. The first available date they had just happened to be my birthday so I scheduled it with hope for answers. Shortly after the MRI I received a call from my Neurologist and was told to go straight to the ER in Lewes, DE due to the size and swelling of a growing brain tumor. A consultation via tele-health robot determined I needed immediate action. I was transported to Jefferson Neurology in Philadelphia. There, I learned of the amount of swelling and the tumor’s current size of 3.3 x 2cm x 3.7cm and this type of tumor is called a Meningioma, a benign tumor. Meningiomas are typically slow growing but in my case unfortunately it is already too large to just watch and wait. Considering the amount of current swelling and shifting of my brain waiting would also cause irreversible damage. After a sigh of relief, my doctors started to discuss treatment.

Unfortunately, the treatment is very similar to that of a malignant tumor. I will still need brain surgery to remove the tumor and then further diagnosis if testing finds any abnormalities. It is also possible that the tumor will return at some point in another part of my brain and more surgery may be needed in the future. We are blessed with some information but there are still many unknowns.

I am a solo parent of 3 beautiful children. Needless to say, this has been a difficult time for them. They are confused and we are scared, but also our gratitude for each other is deeper than we’ve ever felt. I want - I need - their lives to continue as planned. Go to school, see friends, create art for the fridge, swim at the pool. Just be kids.

My first surgery is scheduled for June 1st with a minimum of 4-6 weeks at-home recovery depending on how the surgery goes. I love my job as a Pre-K Teacher at Kids Cottage, but I will need to take time off to recover. During this recovery time, I will need to cover additional testing, medications, childcare for my three children, and basic need expenses such as rent, electricity, propane, food, and transportation.

This Gofundme page was created to help me meet the financial demands of medical bills, trips to Philadelphia from Milton for treatment, lost pay as an Early Childhood Educator and basic needs for my children. This diagnosis could mean extreme financial devastation for my family for years to come. Any little bit of help will go a long way. If you are unable to help financially at this time if you could please share with your community. THANK YOU!