Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you know, Heather was diagnosed with a rare, malignant grade 3 brain tumor at just 22 years old. Please join me as we rally together to make sure Heather and her family have the resources to manage her care and obtain the proton radiation therapy that is needed to fight her cancer. Your donations will help pay for the growing medical expenses, cover housing and transportation costs during treatment, and provide the needed flexibility for the family to take unpaid leave from work while Heather undergoes treatment.

About Heather

Heather is a graduate student at Elizabethtown College, currently pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Before her surgery and cancer diagnosis, Heather was set to start clinicals in January at Holy Spirit Medical Center in Harrisburg, PA.

Over the past 5 years Heather has been teaching dance at a local studio in Elizabethtown with kids ages 3-17. She was also the captain of her college dance team and continues to be involved with that program today. With your help, we are very hopeful that she can soon get back to school and back into the studio with her students.

Background

After experiencing some headaches and vision issues, Heather went to urgent care on November 12th while away at school. Subsequent testing revealed a brain tumor, and Heather underwent brain surgery the following week in Pittsburgh. She has since been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and is now gearing up to fight this aggressive disease and needs our help. The best treatment option based on her age and diagnosis is proton radiation therapy, and Heather and her family are working diligently to arrange this much-needed treatment in Philadelphia. This specialized radiation therapy is not offered by the family’s insurance plan, and all options are being explored so treatment can start quickly.

How you can help

We’ve created this GoFundMe campaign to make sure Heather can quickly pursue the best treatment options available. Your support will allow Heather and her family to focus on what is most important... fighting this cancer and getting the care she needs to beat it... without the added stress of managing the mounting medical bills and expenses related to her treatment. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful impact on her journey.

Where your donation will go

Medical costs not covered by insurance; housing and travel expenses during out-of-town treatment; assistance with general living expenses during periods of unpaid leave

Together we can make a difference

Our thanks for your generosity and kindness is beyond words. Your support can truly make a difference in helping Heather and her family focus solely on her health as she fights to kick her cancer into remission.