Hello , my name is Aprile Johnson and I’ve been friends w Mimma Schaulder since 3rd grade at Washington elementary school. She has also been my hairdresser for years and unfortunately I have also fought the battle she is about to fight . Mimma has been dxd w a brain tumor called a brain stem glioma . She’s known about it for about 18 months , but recently it doubled in size from March to June and is heavily

pressing on her brain stem so her Yale Neurosurgeon said they can no longer put off surgery it’s too dangerous , Mimma’s neck is already showing signs of atrophy & disfiguration . As you can imagine as hairdresser standing all day long it’s agony to even hold her arms up now and try to keep her neck straight w the constant pain of the tumor pressing against the brain stem . Her surgical team has been honest w her and her husband Chris . Her surgery will

more then likely take in upwards of 18 hours and is scheduled for 9/15/25 at Smilow Cancer Hospital .Im starting this GFM for my dear friend because I know when I was battling brain cancer I didn’t work again for almost 12 years . The surgeons have warned Mimma they may only be able to debulk her tumor and the rest would have to be removed by radiation to her brain stem . Obviously you don’t need to be a neurosurgeon to know how much of your body the brain stem controls and because of her job and holding sharp objects there’s no way of telling how long she’ll be out of work ? Chris is planning on taking FMLA which isn’t paid and Mimma could apply for the CT paid leave act , but as someone recently dxd w another cancer it’s kind of a joke . You only get 70% of your paycheck (not including any tips -which is mostly how hairdressers make money ) and you only get to collect that 70% for 12 weeks . There is no extensions , no ifs, and or buts . Mimma & Chris ‘ son CJ is also going to be a freshman at WHHS this year and will be needing a bunch of school supplies that add up . She’ll be in hospital a minimum of 3 weeks and w parking fees for Chris and their deductibles and coinsurances they’re looking at a ton of mounting medical debt . It’s so much easier to focus on recovery when you’re not worried how you’re paying for your next prescription , or do you need to feed your kids and buy their school needs before you buy your meds ? As someone who’s been thru this I wish I can say it’s going to be a hop, skip , and a jump . Sadly , it’ll be one of the toughest battles she’s ever fought . Let’s do what Westies do and come together for one of our own