Restoring Brenda
Donation protected
Many of you know her but for those of you who don’t, allow me to introduce Brenda “Bree” McDonald. Bree is a God fearing, fun loving, life of the party person. Everywhere she goes, Brenda knows people and is loved by everyone that crosses her path.
2017 has proven to be one of the most trying years of her life. Brenda who had been living in Maryland for the past 14 years decided it was time to move back home to Chicago, so she could be near her closest friends, family and especially her mom. In February of 2017 I flew to Maryland to assist in packing up and helping to drive to Chicago. Bree was coming home and it was an exciting time. We had so many plans. Shortly after Bree arrived home and began working, her mom and friends noticed a change in her. She was complaining of headaches, which she had also done several times in Maryland. The headaches continued and there was a noticeable change in her personality. Bree had become withdrawn and distance. She went from a great conversationalist to someone who responded with one-word answers. When asked if something was bothering her, the response was always, “I’m fine.” Her memory seemed short, which was unusual for a woman who could tell you what song was playing at the college dance in 1980 when her boo walked through the door. All of her close friends became concerned but didn’t know what to do. Bree’s mom was even more concerned and asked her daily what was wrong. Where was the Bree we all knew who loved life and was always positive?
On Monday, November 20th, Bree’s mother knew something was terribly wrong with her daughter who lay in the same spot for nearly 2 weeks. She told her mother she was fine, unaware of what was happening to her and the amount of time that had passed. At that moment, Bree’s mom called 911 and she was taken to Louis Weiss Hospital. On Wednesday, November 22nd (the day before Thanksgiving), I received a call that shook me to my core. I was told that Bree has a brain tumor and needed brain surgery as soon as possible. Bree’s mom decided to seek a second opinion and she was transferred to Northwestern University Hospital. Her surgeon, Dr. Tate, confirmed the diagnosis, a Meningioma (brain tumor) about 10 cm (the size of an orange). This type of tumor is usually the size of a pea. It impairs behavior, including judgment and personality and causes vision problems. Brenda’s doctor says she could have unknowingly left home and never been seen again. Bree’s family and friends were now able to understand her attitude changes, social withdrawal and lack of energy. Brenda is unable to recall the entire last month that led up to her hospitalization.
On November 28th, Bree underwent a successful 7-hour brain surgery to remove the tumor. Along with her mom and friends, we prayed, fellowshipped and prayed again. After seven long hours, Dr. Tate came to the waiting room to inform us he had removed the entire meningioma. PRAISE GOD!!! Over the next couple of weeks, Bree began her remarkable recovery phase. Slowly but surely, she’s recuperating, taking it a day at a time. As you can imagine, such a medical crises and health ordeal has caused a tremendous financial hardship. Along with medical bills related to the hospitalization, medical appointments and medication, Bree’s day-to-day living expenses have mounted up. At a time like this, it’s family and friends who show up and show out! Please help us help our SistaFriend. Thank you in advance for your contributions, prayers and support. God’s Love, Grace and Favor endure forever!
Peace, Love & Blessings From Bree’s Ride or Die Sistas,
Pam, Kim, Sheila, Belinda, Margaret, Renee, Jackie, Inez, Surrenthia, Apryl and Regina
2017 has proven to be one of the most trying years of her life. Brenda who had been living in Maryland for the past 14 years decided it was time to move back home to Chicago, so she could be near her closest friends, family and especially her mom. In February of 2017 I flew to Maryland to assist in packing up and helping to drive to Chicago. Bree was coming home and it was an exciting time. We had so many plans. Shortly after Bree arrived home and began working, her mom and friends noticed a change in her. She was complaining of headaches, which she had also done several times in Maryland. The headaches continued and there was a noticeable change in her personality. Bree had become withdrawn and distance. She went from a great conversationalist to someone who responded with one-word answers. When asked if something was bothering her, the response was always, “I’m fine.” Her memory seemed short, which was unusual for a woman who could tell you what song was playing at the college dance in 1980 when her boo walked through the door. All of her close friends became concerned but didn’t know what to do. Bree’s mom was even more concerned and asked her daily what was wrong. Where was the Bree we all knew who loved life and was always positive?
On Monday, November 20th, Bree’s mother knew something was terribly wrong with her daughter who lay in the same spot for nearly 2 weeks. She told her mother she was fine, unaware of what was happening to her and the amount of time that had passed. At that moment, Bree’s mom called 911 and she was taken to Louis Weiss Hospital. On Wednesday, November 22nd (the day before Thanksgiving), I received a call that shook me to my core. I was told that Bree has a brain tumor and needed brain surgery as soon as possible. Bree’s mom decided to seek a second opinion and she was transferred to Northwestern University Hospital. Her surgeon, Dr. Tate, confirmed the diagnosis, a Meningioma (brain tumor) about 10 cm (the size of an orange). This type of tumor is usually the size of a pea. It impairs behavior, including judgment and personality and causes vision problems. Brenda’s doctor says she could have unknowingly left home and never been seen again. Bree’s family and friends were now able to understand her attitude changes, social withdrawal and lack of energy. Brenda is unable to recall the entire last month that led up to her hospitalization.
On November 28th, Bree underwent a successful 7-hour brain surgery to remove the tumor. Along with her mom and friends, we prayed, fellowshipped and prayed again. After seven long hours, Dr. Tate came to the waiting room to inform us he had removed the entire meningioma. PRAISE GOD!!! Over the next couple of weeks, Bree began her remarkable recovery phase. Slowly but surely, she’s recuperating, taking it a day at a time. As you can imagine, such a medical crises and health ordeal has caused a tremendous financial hardship. Along with medical bills related to the hospitalization, medical appointments and medication, Bree’s day-to-day living expenses have mounted up. At a time like this, it’s family and friends who show up and show out! Please help us help our SistaFriend. Thank you in advance for your contributions, prayers and support. God’s Love, Grace and Favor endure forever!
Peace, Love & Blessings From Bree’s Ride or Die Sistas,
Pam, Kim, Sheila, Belinda, Margaret, Renee, Jackie, Inez, Surrenthia, Apryl and Regina
Organizer and beneficiary
Kim Ingram
Organizer
South Holland, IL
Pamela Johnson
Beneficiary
