Support for Karen’s Brain Cancer Journey

Karen (Messling) Ewing- is a Mother, Grandma (to Parker13, Benson-8, and Ivy-5), Daughter, Sister, Wife, and Friend to many. She is our whole world has already felt so much love and support from those who have reached out in the last month. Thank you!

At 61 years old, she was recently diagnosed in early July with an aggressive, incurable grade 4 brain tumor, called Glioblastoma (IDH wild-type). This was found when she was taken to the ER for stroke-like symptoms, which at that time, imaging was done which located a mass on her brain, which led us to where we are now. Blindsided would be an understatement.

Typically, treatment options would start with surgical removal of some of the tumor, but due to the size and location of hers, that is not an option. After many appointments, her Oncology & Radiation team has come up with a treatment plan which focuses on adding quality to her life. Unfortunately, this is a terminal illness and the prognosis for it is not good, but we are trying to remain hopeful, strong, positive, and a team of support and love.

Within the timespan of 2-3 weeks, she has already lost most of her vision in one eye, has a significant loss of short-term memory, and battles confusion and balance issues daily. She is no longer able to drive. Due to these sudden, rapid changes, along with her being a type 1 diabetic, she cannot be alone and requires around the clock care from family at this time.

Her treatment plan will start on August 11th, which will include 6 weeks of radiation (5 days a week) for a total of 30 treatments. It will also include chemotherapy daily for 6 weeks. After those 6 weeks, she will continue chemo at a lower dose. During those 6 weeks, she will also have follow-up appointments to check-in with her Oncology and Radiation Therapy Team. All of her treatment and appointments will be done in LaCrosse, which is about 1.5 hours from her home in Wauzeka.

Although it is hard to ask for support from others, we are doing so by starting this Go Fund Me account. Any and all support will go towards the following: travel expenses to and from LaCrosse for the next 6 weeks at least, any hotel stays needed due to traveling to LaCrosse Monday through Friday each week, medical bills, medication costs, anything else that insurance doesn't cover, daily care items & necessities like groceries/hygiene/home supplies, time taken off work for those taking Karen to and from appointments, and honestly- just support for her to be able to live out the best life she has left with her family and friends.

We appreciate any and all help and support, so that we can focus on spending high quality time and making memorable moments with Karen, without some of the stress of monetary worries. Thank you so much for reading.

We also have a Venmo setup if that is easier: @Brianna-Blizard