Helping a Resilient Young Woman Recover After Her Second Major Brain Surgery in Less Than a Year.

To our compassionate community,

We are reaching out with gratitude and hope as Journey begins a long and difficult recovery following major brain surgery.

Journey Gammond, a 22-year-old from Thunder Bay, recently underwent her second brain surgery in less than a year. What began as another attempt to reclaim her health has turned into a long recovery journey that she cannot face alone.

The Story So Far

In March 2025, Journey underwent brain surgery for a condition known as Chiari malformation. The recovery was long and difficult, taking nearly eight months before she was able to return to work in September.

Journey is known by everyone around her as hardworking and fiercely independent. Having grown up in the foster care system and living on her own since the age of 17, she has always worked hard to build stability and take care of herself.

Just as she was finally getting back on her feet, life presented another major challenge.

The Diagnosis and Surgery...

In December 2025, only a few months after returning to work, Journey began experiencing symptoms again. After a visit to the emergency room and further testing, doctors discovered a tumor growing near the site of her previous surgery.

The tumour was present since August 2024 but missed on the initial scan because of how small it was, only being found in January 2026 because of the rapid increase of growth.

Over time it grew and was located dangerously close to her vagus nerve and several other cranial nerves.

On March 4, 2026, Journey underwent a high-risk brain surgery that lasted nearly ten hours. Because the tumor was wrapped around critical nerves responsible for swallowing, speech, and other vital functions, surgeons were only able to remove part of the tumor safely.

While removing the entire tumor could have caused permanent and severe neurological damage, the surgical team successfully removed as much as possible while protecting those critical nerves.

Journey now faces a long recovery as doctors monitor her nerve function and begin the next phase of treatment. Because part of the tumor remains, she will require ongoing radiation therapy and long-term medical monitoring, which may continue for many years and potentially for the rest of her life.

The Long Road Ahead...

Journey now faces months of recovery and rehabilitation. She is currently working with specialists to regain nerve function and rebuild strength.

Her recovery will likely include:

• ongoing physiotherapy

• speech and voice therapy

• possible additional treatments including radiation

• frequent medical monitoring

Some of her care will require travel between Thunder Bay and Toronto, creating significant travel and accommodation expenses.

Because Journey was only able to return to work for a short time before this second surgery, she did not accumulate enough hours to qualify for Employment Insurance. This has left her without income while still facing normal living expenses during recovery.

Why Your Support Matters!

Journey has always taken pride in supporting herself, but right now she needs help while she focuses on healing.

Funds raised will go toward:

• monthly living expenses including rent and utilities

• medical travel and accommodation for treatment appointments

• rehabilitation and therapy costs

• other recovery-related expenses

Journey is a beloved member of the Superior CrossFit and Fit4Less communities and has built strong friendships through those spaces. Anyone who knows her knows her determination and strength.

She has fought through more challenges in her young life than most people ever experience.

Now she needs the support of the community around her.

A Fighter Who Still Needs Support...

Journey has faced foster care, independence at a young age, and now two major brain surgeries within a year. Through it all, she has continued to fight with resilience and courage.

If you are able to donate, any contribution will help ease the financial burden while she focuses on healing.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser with your network can also make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.