Support Kristen, Adam, and Abby

At the beginning of 2019, Kristen Hirschfeld was experiencing periodic headaches and occasional word confusion; friends, family, and coworkers noticed these random and occasional subtleties, but assumed juggling working full time, attending graduate school at night, enjoying her family life with her husband Adam and their 2-year-old daughter Abby, becoming a new homeowner, and also grieving the loss of her mother, only 6 months prior, to Multiple Sclerosis, the insurmountable stress was all wearing on her. As her symptoms began to present themselves, persist, and become more frequent, the pieces of the puzzle started to gather, and small cues started to accumulate into larger questions and concerns. 

In March of 2019, Kristen's husband, Adam, brought Kristen to the emergency room with complaints about a headache, forgetfulness, and difficulties communicating. Doctors at Salem hospital conducted a CT scan and found swelling in her brain. Kristen was brought to Brigham & Women’s that night to seek further help and answers. The next day, an MRI revealed many tumors in her brain were growing rapidly, all of which needed immediate attention. One, in particular, was prominent and the cause of the swelling in her brain impairing many of her core functions. 

At just 33 years old, Kristen was prepared for and entered a 9-hour brain surgery at Brigham & Women’s to remove one of the tumors. The removal of this tumor was successful and because of this surgery, they were able to learn more about her cancer; melanoma had metastasized in her brain. They also discovered that Kristen still has 13 inoperable tumors in her brain she is still fighting against, along with several cancerous spots in lymph nodes in her chest. 

In late October 2019, a large mass of necrotic tissue, or scar tissue, was causing distress and resulted in a second brain surgery, making it her second in 7 months. She has a third surgery coming up in February to remove two lesions in her trachea.

Kristen’s cancer is a unique mutation, which requires a unique approach. Treating brain tumors is always a delicate matter because of the blood-brain barrier, and therefore she was not eligible for chemotherapy. Her treatment journey has been varied and complex and her medical team continues to work together to help Kristen fight and put her cancer into remission. 

Since her diagnosis, her family’s attention has been focused on supporting Kristen,  Adam, and their 3-year-old daughter, Abby. Adam and Kristen’s love for each other and their daughter has been the strength they need to take each day as it comes. She and Adam have worked hard to adjust to and find their new norms, but unfortunately, they have not been able to carry on with their usual routines, including attending a regular work schedule. Adam and Kristen must juggle treatments, appointments, scans, screens, medication, physical and speech therapies all while keeping up on their home, the financial demands of treatments, and raising their daughter. Professional goals and their regular routines are currently on hold as they face this challenge together as a family. 

As an aspiring teacher, an adjustment counselor, and avid members of their church, Kristen and Adam have built their professional and personal lives on generosity, kindness, altruism, and compassion. We are hoping for any assistance to help give back to a couple who has given so much of their hearts, time, and energy to others. We appreciate your efforts to reduce financial pressure during this time.