Support Cassie’s Brain Surgery and Recovery

I am trying to raise money for my sister Cassie Boze. Cassie is a Registered Nurse who works in the Emergency Room at Central Peninsula Hospital and is also a brain tumor survivor. Unfortunately, that brain tumor has come back with a vengeance, putting Cassie and her family in once again a terrifying and life-changing situation where she could really use your help.

A little over three years ago, Cassie was diagnosed with a brain tumor (for all her medical friends: a right CPA clear cell meningioma). It was devastating news to her and her loved ones and was accompanied by debilitating symptoms. Cassie underwent a frightening and significant surgery that changed her life for the better and the worse. With a lot of challenging work, dedication, and support from her family and friends, Cassie was able to overcome the tumor, which we all came to call “Arnold.” The biopsy revealed even more devastating news, with Arnold revealing himself as a Grade II meningioma, a rare tumor that exhibits cellular abnormalities and which grows at a much faster rate. While they are not malignant (cancerous), they have a higher probability of recurrence and with potential to become malignant.

About three weeks ago our worst fears came true when Cassie’s MRI revealed re-growth. Not only did “Arnold’s friend” decide to make an appearance, but he also came in aggressively and rapidly, so much so that her surgeons recommended she have brain surgery as soon as possible, within the next four months. While we always knew this was a possibility, it nevertheless came as a shock to everyone and has turned her and her family's lives upside down. Cassie needs us all now more than ever.

Cassie will return to UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, and her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27th. If everything goes as planned, she will be admitted to the ICU for a few days after her surgery. She will then remain locally for physical therapy and follow-up and should be able to return home in two weeks for her birthday on October 6th. It will not be a smooth ride as her already existent and nagging symptoms (vertigo, dizziness, short-term memory loss, hearing loss, etc.) will be exacerbated. And this surgery comes at the risk of losing her hearing and all the other unimaginable outcomes of this severe and invasive operation she will be undergoing. The recovery alone will be a grueling and daunting task, but with the love, support, and encouragement of all her friends and family, I know she can pull through.

While Cassie should be focusing on healing and recovery, she is instead agonizing over the financial ruin this will create. Between the out-of-pocket expenses she will have to endure, the cost of flights and lodging while in San Diego, and the cost of rehab, in addition to lost wages from not being able to return to work for several months, this overwhelming financial burden would be crippling. I am asking for your help in easing this tremendous burden to someone more than deserving.

For those of you who know Cassie, she is one of the most generous, thoughtful, and good-natured people you will meet. Her bubbly personality is infectious, and she can make anyone laugh with her gregarious nature and sense of humor. She is one of the hardest working and selfless people I know while being the most patient, empathetic, and supportive mother to her five kids and one (brand new) grandchild.

For those who don’t know Cassie, you will wish you had as she is one of the kindest people you will meet. She will welcome you as if she has known you for years and will drop what she is doing to help anyone in need, even if it’s a jumping spider named Steve who decided to make an entrance one Thanksgiving by peering out of a bunch of grapes and earning himself a place in her home.

Let us all rally together one more time for Cassie so she can focus on herself and her future, not how she will come up with the money to evict this new “friend” of hers. By the way, she is still looking to name if you have any suggestions! I personally like Cassie’s recommendation of Lloyd (pronounced “La-Lloyd”). What do you think?

Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and we can never thank you enough for your kindness and support through this troubling time. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser, sending her your love, and keeping her and her family in your thoughts. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.