Support Mikayla's Brave Recovery Journey

THIS IS MIKAYLA’S ONLY GOFUNDME.

Update: We met with the Neuro Oncologist today and it was confirmed to be a form of brain Cancer called Medulloblastoma.

Treatment for medulloblastoma typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The rarity of this condition in adults can sometimes make diagnosis and treatment more challenging and Miki needs all the support she can get.

As some of you may know, Mikayla was admitted to the ER on Thursday, March 27th at around 4pm for excruciating migraines. She was held at the ER until Friday March 28th at 8pm and transported to Cherry Hill. She got out of brain surgery on Monday March 31st around 9 pm and has been doing well so far in her recovery.

Miki has had health problems as young as she can remember, however, over the last 2 years she developed more and more symptoms.

She has been dealing with double vision, nausea, vomiting and weakness in her arms and legs. Numerous doctor appointments have concluded nothing other than anxiety and hormones. However, the real culprit to all of her pain was a tumor the size of a golf ball located in the fourth ventricle of her brain.

The fourth ventricle plays a vital role in circulating cerebrospinal fluid and is surrounded by structures that control essential functions like balance, coordination, breathing, and heart rate. Because of its location, removing the tumor was extremely risky, but necessary. waiting was not an option. Her incredible neurosurgical team was able to remove approximately 85-90% of the tumor, which was pressing on her brainstem and causing serious symptoms.

Right now, we’re waiting on more pathology information, but what we do know is that Mikayla is in the fight of her life, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Brain surgery doesn’t just impact the body. It can affect speech, memory, movement, and emotional regulation. Her recovery will be long and full of uncertainty, but we are staying hopeful and committed to her healing.

We are doing everything in our power to keep Mikayla comfortable and taken care of, however, the recovery of this surgery is nothing short of painful and difficult. On top of that, Mikayla will be unable to work for the foreseeable future as she regains strength and adjusts to her new normal.

If you know Mikayla, you know she is resilient, funny, empathetic, and endlessly caring. During this whole process she has been nothing but her same old silly self, making other people laugh, telling jokes and making sure those around her are doing okay even though she’s struggling. And that’s just the kind, beautiful and strong woman that she is.

Any donations are appreciated, medical bills and recovery expenses will start pooling in and we do not want her to have any financial hardships when she is out. All donations will go directly toward Mikayla’s medical expenses and recovery costs. If you’re unable to contribute financially, we completely understand. Your love, prayers, and shares of this post are just as powerful.

Thank you for supporting our Miki as she fights through one of the biggest challenges of her life. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world.