Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, acquaintances, and friends-of-friends of Gail Jaeger:

In an effort to help financially support our dear friend during an incredibly surreal time, we (Kelli Riollo, Stacy Foeger, and Tracy Raasch) would like to invite you to contribute to this GoFundMe.

After 18 months of dealing with ringing in her ear, slight hearing loss, bouts of vertigo, and a general feeling of unease, Gail’s ENT ordered an MRI. On December 2nd, the MRI showed a mass in her brain: a meningioma, which is generally a benign and slow-growing tumor. A meningioma grows from the meninges - the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. For Gail, this tumor is also extending into her internal auditory canal (IAC) and pushing into her brain stem. Treatment options, presented by her neurologist, included three main choices - each with their own set of risks.

So, here we are. Gail has bravely chosen surgery and on Monday, March 2nd, she will have a craniotomy to remove the tumor, which she named Judy. Surgery is scheduled to be 8 hours or more. Time in the hospital should be 3-4 days. Recovery at home, with a period of no driving, should be 6-8 weeks. This can certainly all vary.

Three of us met with Gail to discuss logistics: care for her girls, care for her dog, transportation, legal paperwork, meal planning, and so on. This also included finances.

Gail is employed full-time and has excellent health insurance. However, being out of work for 6-8 weeks - or more - will create an unexpected (but now, expected) financial burden that we don't want her to carry. She could also incur other unpredictable costs. Gail was also hoping to take her girls, Maple and Olive, to Washington D.C. this summer. Maybe that can still happen? Maybe she'll want or need to adjust plans? Either way, we would like for her to be able to enjoy some family-time when she's feeling good, minus financial concerns.

Gail has started a CaringBridge account so you can follow her journey with Judy, the brain tumor.

A Meal Train has also been set up by her co-worker and friend, Amanda.

THANK YOU so much for your love, kindness, moral support, and any financial gift you may be able to provide.

If you are unable to provide a financial gift, that's ok! Please send her good vibes, healing energy, love and light, prayers, and any other kind of peaceful wishes.

Love,

Kelli Riollo, Stacy Foeger, and Tracy Raasch