Hey friends!

I am creating this GoFundMe for myself and my family. Some of you know me as Koko.

On July 1st, one day before my 35th birthday, I was diagnosed with a watermelon sized tumor in my abdomen. Surgery will be in August to remove the mass, as well as test it for malignancy. My doctor believes it to be benign, but she is not 100% sure. Keep your fingers crossed she's right.

Many of you know that my ex-husband Greg and I co-parent our 10-year-old daughter, Gaia. We live one block away from one another and split our week in half. For those of you who do not know, Gaia is autistic, ADHD and non-verbal. Caring for her requires a lot of patience, physical activity, and love. She has qualified for a program called Children's Choice Waiver to pay someone to help us take care of her in our homes, but the funding has not yet been approved. We applied many months ago and we're still waiting. In the meantime, it has just been Greg and I caring for Gaia while we both also work about 50 hours a week.

My mother is moving down here from Illinois at the end of July and will be living with me to help with Gaia. She is giving up her home, independence and job to help us. Greg has filed for FMLA to take some time off to care for Gaia while I'm recovering from surgery, but this will be unpaid time off as he has already had to use his PTO to care for Gaia in other previous incidences.

I created this GoFundMe to help alleviate any added costs, missed time from work that is unpaid, and to help me with my medical expenses. I have insurance but still owe a decent deductible, as well as copays and costs for prescriptions. Greg and I work very hard to give our only child a good life. This unexpected illness has definitely shaken our world and thrown a wrench in our daily lives.

Those who know us know that Gaia is a very lovable, funny, happy child with a lot of energy, no sense of danger, and in need of a lot of care and supervision. Gaia needs full time care to help with nutrition, safety, daily hygiene, transportation, and general supervision. Gaia, although 10 years old, cannot be left unattended, nor can she care for herself. Gaia has a history of elopement (running off), climbing trees/fences/roofs, breaking windows, etc. It is imperative that she has adequate supervision and care while I'm recovering from surgery.

My surgery will be a vertical abdominal cut (laparectomy) and will need 6-8 weeks of healing. Gaia is a very strong kiddo and I will not be able to physically care for her. Greg and my mom will be her sole caregivers during my time of healing. Any donation will help ensure that they are able to provide the care Gaia needs until I am healthy and strong again. Thank you to all our friends and family who have given their well wishes. I will be back and better in no time!