My dear friend Candice is a nurse, a mom of two, and one of the strongest people I know. She never imagined she’d be facing the same world her daughter once did — rare disease and brain surgery.

Last year, Candice’s young daughter was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex. She bravely underwent brain surgery in October 2024 and, thankfully, is now seizure-free. But her journey isn’t over — she’s moving into specialty care at a clinic in Boston this month, which comes with travel and lodging costs on top of ongoing medical bills.

Earlier this year, Candice’s son was hospitalized for several days with Staph Scalded Skin Syndrome — a frightening, rare illness that shook their whole family.

And now, Candice herself has been diagnosed with acromegaly, caused by a pituitary tumor producing growth hormones at nearly ten times the normal level. Her lab results were so extreme the machine couldn’t even give a number. The only treatment? Pituitary brain surgery.

Even with insurance, the financial burden is overwhelming — uncovered surgery and hospital bills, weeks of out-of-state travel and lodging, and the continuation of her daughter’s specialty care.

I know asking for help is not easy for Candice. But if you are able to give, your support would directly help her family with:

• Covering the costs of her surgery and recovery

• Paying for travel and lodging during her treatment

• Continuing her daughter’s care in Boston

Every gift — no matter the size — is a lifeline for this family.

I know your support would mean the world to them.

With gratitude,

A Friend of Candice & Family