I usually talk about Haley as “Georgia’s mom” or “Adalyn’s and Emersyn’s mom” but she’s also a dear friend. She’s a fighter who has had to overcome more obstacles in her 24 years than most people do in a lifetime. Sadly, Haley has a tumor in the middle of her brain. It’s benign (thankfully) but it continues to grow and has resulted in permanent hearing loss, vision problems, and constant migraines. The doctors say that if the tumor is not removed, she will be permanently blind or deaf within a year and will steadily endure worsening physical and mental impairment.

 

Because of the debilitating tumor, Haley is headed into her third brain surgery. The family was able to budget and stay afloat for the previous surgery in April, but the doctors found unforeseen complications, requiring another brain surgery as quickly as possible. At the end of June, Hailey will have an even more invasive surgery with a recovery period that will include physical therapy to re-learn basic motor skills, like walking. Not only was this additional surgery unexpected, but the recovery journey will also be profoundly difficult and scary. As an additional hardship, they are also facing unexpected out of pocket medical bills.

 

Hailey’s husband, Shane, hopes to take two months off work so that he can be home to care for her and their two small kids (ages 3 and 1). This won’t be a luxury - it will be a necessity. They have set up a GoFundMe account and are asking for the support of their friends and family to help them make this entire process possible. I’m asking, on their behalf, for donations to their GoFundMe. They are kind and caring people, and going through an overwhelmingly sad time in their lives. It is not often that I know exactly how to help someone who deserves it, but this is it. Please consider donating to help Haley and her family.