Support Brandy in her Fight Against MAC

Brandy was diagnosed with Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma (MAC) April 2023.

Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma is an extremely rare (less than 700 cases worldwide), slow growing sweat gland cancer usually found in the head & neck region. Because of its rarity, not much is known or understood about MAC, there is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological studies and large-scale clinical trials.

MAC is an invasive, local cancer meaning it infiltrates surrounding tissue and nerves making it difficult to get clear margins during excision.

On September 25, 2023 Brandy underwent a 10 hour operation to remove the tumor, however, 3 days after the operation, pathology results showed there were still MAC cells left in the surrounding tissue, therefore on Oct. 2nd, she had to undergo another 10 hour operation to remove the remainder of the cancerous tissue.

Due to the location and size of Brandy’s tumor, she had to have her entire upper lip removed, from nasolabial fold to nasolabial fold (smile line to smile line) including philtrum (groove between upper lip & nose) along with the columella (part that separates nostrils) and tip of the nose.

Reconstruction began immediately, Brandy had a skin graft taken from her left arm and two, muscle, tissue and vessel grafts from her right thigh that was used to make a large flap to cover the missing tissue. The flap will eventually be reconstructed to become her lip, once her lip is completed the reconstruction of her nose will begin by taking another flap from her forehead.

Brandy has shown immense strength and courage in the face of this challenging diagnosis and treatment. But fighting cancer comes with emotional, physical, and financial burdens. Medical bills, treatments, travel expenses and ongoing care have placed a heavy burden on her shoulders.

Brandy will require radiation 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks. This is where you can help. Radiation treatments will be at MD Anderson in Houston. Brandy will be staying in Houston for the duration of the treatment (tentatively Nov. 13- Dec. 22) during this time she will need to have accommodations, transportation, meals, etc.

Brandy has at least 6-8 surgeries ahead of her after radiation. The reconstruction process is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.

We are asking for your help to ease this burden. Your donation will directly contribute to Brandy's living expenses while she is away from her family during her radiation treatment and reconstruction. Your contribution will help make her journey towards recovery a little less stressful. Every dollar counts, and your generosity can make a significant impact.

Please share this campaign with your friends and family to amplify our efforts. Your support, whether through a donation or by spreading the word, is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for standing with Brandy during this challenging time. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to her.

Pleas join Brandy's page, “My Journey With Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma” on Facebook to follow along her journey. https://www.facebook.com/my.journey.with.microcystic.adnexal.carcinoma?mibextid=LQQJ4d