Steph is my niece who has spent the last almost 5 years living in Japan working for the JET (Japanese English Teaching Program). Over the past few weeks, she had been having headaches. She went to the doctor and had an EKG and was given pain medication until her CT scan was scheduled. Early Wednesday morning (our time, Steph is 15 hours ahead of the central time zone) she was taken by ambulance to the hospital. She had a seizure in the ambulance and lost consciousness. After arriving at the hospital they did a CT scan and other tests. It was determined that she needed an MRI but had to have permission from both Kerri (mom) and Gregg (dad). All of this has been made more difficult due to the time difference and language barrier. Once the documents were ready and approval was given, an MRI took place. A brain tumor on the right side above her ear was found. Surgery needed to be performed right away.

At approximately 4:00 am, our time, the surgery began. Kerri and Gregg also had to give permission, for a blood transfusion about 4:30 am. Then came the waiting. At approximately 1:15 this afternoon, we got the news that Steph was out of surgery, awake and could wave! Praise the Lord!

All this time the family has been back in Iowa trying to get all the documents needed, make travel arrangements, and hotel accommodations. Needless to say, this medical/travel event was not planned. As you can imagine, it is very expensive to travel halfway around the world. This Go Fund Me is being started to help with medical and travel expenses.

We aren't sure what the immediate future will hold for Steph but I can't imagine it will be easy for her, Kerri, or Gregg. We are hoping that this fundraiser will help ease some of the strain.

Thank you for your help.