On December 26, 2025, Michelle Tullier and Avrum Weiss’s world changed overnight. Avrum was more than 5,000 miles from home in Hawaii visiting a dear friend who was facing a serious health crisis of his own, while Michelle was back in their island home in Maine. Avrum suffered a sudden neurological emergency—a serious brain hemorrhage and seizure—followed by the discovery of a brain tumor. Michelle made a 38-hour trek to Avrum's ICU bedside in Hawaii, and the two of them eventually made their way to Boston when he was stable enough to travel. Avrum underwent a craniotomy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. In the course of his care, the working diagnosis became glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Avrum is now in an acute physical rehab hospital in Boston and they are facing complex follow-up evaluations, treatment planning, and a long journey, the nature of which is not yet known.

As friends, colleagues, and loved ones have watched Michelle and Avrum move through this crisis with grace and level-headedness through the difficult emotions and stress, many have asked how they can help in a meaningful way. Michelle has been reluctant to accept assistance, knowing that many families face medical crises with far fewer resources. Avrum has excellent insurance, and they are not at risk of losing their home or going without basic necessities. But even with good coverage, the real-world costs have been extraordinary already, and they are only at the beginning of their journey. Over the past three weeks, they have logged 11,000+ travel miles and have been home only a few nights. With Avrum unable to work for the foreseeable future and Michelle on leave as well (they are both self-employed), they are burning through savings and even dipping into retirement accounts, simply to cover the logistics and maintain the stability and peace of mind needed to get through each day.

Close friends have encouraged Michelle and Avrum to allow this GoFundMe to be created because so many people genuinely want to help, to have something concrete to do that can make a real difference in the lives of these two mental health professionals who have given so much to others over decades. Funds raised will help cover travel, lodging near hospitals/rehabilitation/treatment, parking fees, meals, home accessibility modifications and safety modifications, pet care, and the many unexpected out-of-pocket expenses that accumulate quickly in an extended medical crisis. They appreciate your support and loving kindness.