This fundraiser is for the family of Ali Beranek. After a 7 year battle with stage 4 lung cancer, Ali passed away on December 20th, 2025. Ali was a light in this world, and we were so lucky to have her in our lives. She was an incredibly loving mother to Blake (14) and Ella (11) and wife of 15 years to her husband and high school sweetheart, Matt. Your donations will help with a variety of needs, including medical expenses not covered by insurance and support for Matt, Blake, and Ella as they transition into this new life.

In 2018, the Beranek family's life was forever changed. A dull ache in Ali's leg was the first sign that something wasn't right. After many tests and scans, they found tumors in her femur, kidney, lung, and brain. After initial treatment of whole brain radiation and following a lung biopsy and genetic testing, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer (Non-small cell adenocarcinoma). With the genetic testing, she was found to have an EGFR exon 19 mutation that allowed her to be put on a targeted therapy drug called Tagrisso. While there was no cure for the cancer, this drug kept the cancer at bay for the most part, allowing Ali to enjoy life and have 7 more years with her family and friends. We are so grateful for the time this treatment gave her.

Fast forward to April 2025, after having her routine brain MRI, they uncovered a small area of concern. They did another brain MRI 7 weeks later that showed no change, so the Radiation Oncologist suggested they recheck again in 4 months. Just prior to the 4-month scan, Ali began having vision changes (double vision in the morning), and the scan ultimately showed the tumor had grown slightly. Additional testing with a UW Madison Neuro Oncologist showed cancer cells in her cerebrospinal fluid, the same EGFR exon 19 cancer, and she was diagnosed with Leptomeningeal Disease (LMD). LMD is a cancer in your cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord.

Ultimately, this horrible disease took her from us far too soon. We will miss her every day, but her spirit will live on in the many memories she left us. Her family would appreciate it if you would share your memories of Ali in the comments.