Help Jeanelle Stand Strong Against Schwannoma Tumors

Dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers,

I am reaching out to you on behalf of my dearest friend, Jeanelle Hoard—a remarkable woman whose strength and spirit have touched so many lives. Jeanelle, a devoted mother of three amazing teenagers and the creative force behind Nells Canvas, has been my best friend since our middle school days in Grand Forks, ND.

Since 2019, Jeanelle had been diagnosed with a nerve root cyst. Leading into 2024, her mobility issues, numbness, and severe pain have increased to the point where she is unable to work. This past August, her condition took a startling turn when she lost all feeling in her leg, prompting numerous specialist appointments. In September, she was told that the previously diagnosed cyst was, in fact, two schwannoma tumors in her lower lumbar region inside the nerve root sleeve. These tumors are putting pressure on the nerve, causing her symptoms to worsen as they grow.

The road ahead is daunting. Jeanelle may undergo a spinal surgery for a possible biopsy and/or removal of the tumors—a procedure with significant risks. In hopes of finding a less invasive option, she will be visiting the Mayo Clinic in December 2024 to explore radiation treatments that might shrink or eradicate the tumors, potentially avoiding spinal surgery and fusion. Each path comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties.

Despite these overwhelming obstacles, Jeanelle continues to pour her heart into her family and her art. She tirelessly creates and sells her beautiful pieces, not just to support herself but to bring joy to others. Her unwavering positivity and determination to uplift those around her, even in the face of her own hardships, is nothing short of inspirational.

Her loving boyfriend, Ben Humiston, has been a steadfast pillar of support, doing everything he can to care for Jeanelle and the kids. However, the financial burden is immense. Medical bills are mounting, insurance can only cover so much, and there are additional costs for treatments, procedures, and travel expenses like hotel stays during medical visits.

This is where we come together. Our updated goal is to raise $25,000 to $50,000 to help alleviate the financial strain on Jeanelle and her family. These funds will go directly towards medical expenses, living costs, and any treatments not covered by insurance. As we learn more about her condition and the required treatments, this goal may evolve.

Jeanelle has given so much of herself to others—now it's our turn to give back. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to giving her the support she needs during this critical time. If you can't contribute financially, please consider sharing this campaign with your network. Your thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes are equally valuable.

Let's rally around Jeanelle and her family, showing them the love and support they've so generously shared with the world. Together, we can make a profound difference in their lives.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Wendi Kehn, Jeanelle Hoard, and Ben Humiston.