Stand with Natasha in Lillian's Battle

Hi, my name is Valerie Williams and I’m fundraising for my sister Natasha Howard. She’s is an amazing single mom of 2, nurse and a helper of all who needs help. Not only is she my sweet baby sister, she is my best friend.

December of 2023 Natasha witnessed our 4 & 1/2 year old niece Lillian, having a seizure. Natasha promptly called 911. Lillian was hospitalized for 9 days in Huntsville, AL then transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for an additional 9 days. The multiple seizures caused a complete regression of toilet training, left side gross and fine motor skill deficits and a cognitive processing deficit. Lillian had to endure multiple tests, OT, PT and speech therapy.

Natasha juggled her children, job and continuously being there for Lillian. Spending countless hours on the road, the phone and online as well as filing for emergency custody of Lillian.

Natasha was granted emergency custody of Lillian in February of 2024. She has been uber busy as a “new” mom of 3. The baby (Lillian) being a special needs child.

Lillian has been stable but, not unaffected by the seizures. She is highly medicated and has continued speech therapy. But, started pre-K and soccer!

Natasha will file for FMLA ( 12 weeks family medical leave) so she can bring Lillian to all her appointments without worry of loosing her nursing job. However, FMLA is unpaid leave. Tash only has so much PTO (paid time off) and her PTO has run dry already.

Monday 6/3 Lillian had her 6 month follow up MRI.

A low grade Glioma (brain tumor) in her medial temporal lobe was found.

Our family is devastated. Her local medical team in Huntsville has referred Lillian to an out of state specialist. Natasha will be taking Lillian to Memphis on Monday 6/24 and surgery will be performed to remove the glioma on 6/26. It’s estimated they will be in Memphis for at least 10 days. The specialist was adamant to move quickly with the surgery. At this point, we don’t know the plan after her surgery. We have no idea of what is yet to come. We’re assuming the typical radiation and chemo is awaiting this sweet little girl.

The funds raised will be used to keep Natasha financial stable so she can continue to care for Lillian(5) , Ava (very soon to be 14) and Sullivan (9).

Pay her mortgage, keep her car safely running, put gas in her tank and food on the table. The list is endless. She’s working so hard but there’s only so much 1 person can do.

A CaringBridge Site was created for Lillian. It‘s a caring social network to help people stay connected with family and friends during a health event.

Visit Lillian's Site: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lillianerbach

Site Name: lillianerbach