Hi, my name is Ashley and my big sister Katie has a brain tumor. She is only 28 years old, has twin baby boys, and is the primary provider for her family as her husband finishes up school this summer.

Katie has been battling debilitating, stroke-like migraines for months, along with increasing vision problems caused by pressure on her optic nerve. She has done this while carrying and birthing twins, having gallbladder removal surgery, pushing through PPD, working full time and raising her babies.

After months of uncertainty and pain, we recently received the devastating news: Katie has a large brain tumor. Just tonight, she suffered a seizure that I watched and got her help for — a frightening milestone that has sped up the already urgent need for treatment and care.

update: She was admitted to the hospital last night and will be sent home with steroids and anti seizure medicine. She will be having a two day brain surgery in the next few days. Depending on a few factors, she will also have to do radiation. Following surgery she will be in the hospital for a few days, possible rehab center, will need constant monitoring for the next two weeks and cannot lift or carry her twin babies. The next two weeks she has a little less restrictions. She will not be able to work during that entire period of time. This is the best case scenerio. I will update about radiation and additional treatment after her surgeries.

5/18 Update: Katie has surgery tomorrow at 10 am. This surgery will determine what will be done during the second surgery and if she will need radiation. Katie’s second surgery will be Tuesday to remove all or parts of the tumor. She will be in the hospital at least until Friday.

Because Katie had to take unpaid time off when her twins were born (her job did not offer maternity leave), she no longer qualifies for FMLA. This means she doesn’t have job protection or guaranteed medical leave while she undergoes treatment. Things are uncertain, scary, and financially overwhelming.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will help lift a piece of the burden Katie is carrying. If you can’t give, please consider sharing this page and sending love and prayers her way. The donations received will help pay for all doctors visits she has had, her MRI and MRV, the ER visit and overnight hospital stay, both brain surgeries, all medications, childcare and help during recovery, and other financial obstacles that come from this.

if you’d prefer Venmo, please send to this one so I can keep it all in one place to give her all of it at once. @jacobgrid

Thank you for helping us surround Katie with the love, support, and resources she needs to fight this.

With love and gratitude,

Ashley