In December 2024, Clare Rudd Pikunas, a devoted wife of police officer Kevin Pikunas and loving mother of two young boys (ages 4 and 2) life changed overnight when she experienced a sudden seizure. What initially seemed random quickly became serious, as scans revealed a tumor in the upper right side of her brain. As the seizures intensified, she underwent brain surgery in January 2025 to remove the mass.
The diagnosis that followed was devastating: a rare and aggressive brain cancer called IDH-mutant astrocytoma, grade 4. Her doctors described it as a tumor that “grows like vines,” spreading into surrounding brain tissue and making it incredibly difficult to treat.
Since then, she has faced every challenge with remarkable strength. After surgery, doing everything possible to fight this disease, she worked through intensive rehabilitation and went on to complete 30 rounds of radiation while undergoing daily chemotherapy. She continued with monthly chemotherapy treatments throughout 2025, while also doing regular MRIs which showed promise.
Unfortunately, in January 2026, MRIs showed that the cancer had progressed beyond the original area, which now included her spinal cord. She began another round of treatment, including targeted therapy and additional radiation.
Despite these efforts, recent imaging shows that the cancer continues to progress. We have since received the heartbreaking news that her diagnosis is terminal. Faced with this difficult news, Clare is determined to keep her fight going.
As a family, we are now exploring alternative and supportive care options that are not covered by insurance, in hopes of giving her the best possible quality of life and time with her loved ones.
We are asking for your support to help ease the financial burden of ongoing and alternative care, provide comfort, and allow her and her family to focus on what matters most during this time. Every donation, share, and message of support truly makes a difference.
Clare is a wife and loving mother of two young boys and her focus remains on spending meaningful time with her family while continuing to face each day with courage and grace.
Thank you for standing with Clare and our family.