UPDATE (5/18/25) :

This road has been long, so much longer than we imagined when my sister started this fundraiser. Since then, my husband has gone through 2 brain surgeries and an emergency surgery for a perforated duodenum last November. He’s been incredibly strong, and your support has carried us through some of the hardest moments of our lives.

Now, we’re preparing for what we hope will be the final surgery—to remove the remaining brain tumor, which is sitting on his cerebellum, surrounded by delicate nerves. That surgery is scheduled for Friday, May 23rd at the hospital at UPENN. The procedure requires 2 surgeons, one from Neuro and an ENT, we trust the skills of the medical team and lean on prayers, positivity, hope and love for our family.

Because of all this, we’ve had to press pause on normal life. We’ve fallen behind on bills— medical, utilities, groceries, travel, parking, prescriptions, and just getting through day by day. What makes this even harder is that he’s been out of work this whole time—and despite everything, he hasn’t been able to collect disability. I’ve had to take time off to care for him through hospital stays, doctor appointments, and recovery. Now with school ending soon, the summer months ahead feel especially overwhelming—no routines, no structure, and more expenses with fewer supports.

We are so deeply thankful—we’ve already raised over $15,000, which has been life-saving. But with this next surgery and everything that comes with it, we’re humbly raising the goal to $25,000. That would allow us to cover the rest of what’s needed for medical recovery and the basic things we need just to stay afloat.

If you’re reading this, whether it’s your first time here or your tenth—thank you.
If you’ve already given, please know how much that has meant.
If you feel moved to give again, or share this page with others, it would truly help more than we can express.

We’re almost there. Just one more mountain. Thank you for helping us climb it.

Sincerely,

Judy Navata

My Baseball-loving Brother-in-Law, Brandon Navata,has been pitched a curve ball and is batting up for his life right now. On November 4, a day after his son’s 15th birthday, Brandon was told he had 2 brain tumors. My brother in law has been working as a teacher and Uber driver to provide for his family of 5. As head of household bringing in 75% of the families income, his family is lost without him. So far he has had 2 separate surgeries to take out the tumors and another crucial one is scheduled soon. We are hopeful and praying that he will pull through it all. I am kindly asking for your help for my brother-in-law Brandon and his family. As a family we are doing what we can to help but his medical journey has only begun. We are asking anyone to Please pray for him and the family. If you can please donate to help them get through this difficult time. We will be forever grateful to everyone and thank you so very much. -Jenny A. (Sis-in -law)

Hello, my name is Judy Navata. I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help. My husband, Brandon, turns 51 on November 29. We’ve been together since college — best friends and partners through thick and thin for almost 22 years of marriage. We’re also lucky enough to be parents to three incredible kids.

If you know Brandon, you know he’s all about his passions: baseball, poker, history, and video games. He’s the guy who turns hobbies into something meaningful. He’s been coaching freshman baseball at Steinert High School, guiding students as an esports coach, and sharing his love for history with 7th graders at MLK Middle School in Trenton. Before that, he dealt poker hands in Las Vegas and Bensalem, always bringing a smile (or at least a good story) to the table.

Right now, though, we’re facing something tough, and we could use a bit of help. It’s hard to ask for support, but life has thrown us a curveball, and we need to get Brandon back on his feet so he can keep doing what he loves — being there for his students, his players, and our family. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support.