Support Rebecca's Journey: Second Brain Surgery

My name is Desiree and I am Rebecca's best friend. This January, she received one of the most shocking news I think ever bestowed to anyone...you need a second brain surgery. The look on Rebecca's face as she processed the news even though she was trying to hold it in, utterly shook me to the core. As we all know, as sweet as Rebecca is, her face tells it all...

Her whole life, Rebecca was told all her headaches were migraines. In February of 2018, Rebecca went into the hospital feeling completely run done and needing a blood transfusion for her Iron deficient anemia. While being transfused she started having one of her headache episodes where it felt like her head was just going to explode. The hospital took it as a reaction to the blood. Had it not been for her 15-year-old daughter speaking up and forcing the hospital's hand to check Rebecca's head, she would have never been diagnosed with Meningioma. Meningioma is a type of brain tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. As you can see in the pictures; Rebecca's was on her frontal left lobe and needed to be removed.

The white mass is the Lemon sized Meningioma (brain tumor)

Removed June 12, 2018

June 12th of 2018, Rebecca underwent her brain tumor removal surgery. With a strong support system and her determination Rebecca, after months of struggle, made a recovery that all of us would think would be full. Rebecca never talks about the remaining issues or struggles she faces.

During 2024 Rebecca underwent many life changes and contributed her headaches, neck pain, tripping over her own foot, and dizziness to her stress and anxiety. However, over the last 11 months, her headaches started getting progressively worse and more frequent. After many weeks of convincing, Rebecca finally called her doctor. Within two weeks she was in for an MRI and in January the diagnosis came.

Rebecca has been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation I.

Chiari Malformation I is a condition where the cerebellum, the part of the brain at the base of the skull, extends into the spinal canal.

The surgery she will undergo is a Posterior Fossa Decompression. This surgery will start with a craniectomy in which they remove a piece of the back of the skull to relieve some of the pressure on her cerebellum and spinal cord. Then they will do a C1 Laminectomy in which they remove a portion of her C1 vertebra. Next, they will open the dura mater, which is the membrane around her brain. They will then cauterize the cerebellar tonsils and push them back up into place in hopes this will completely relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and relieve her of all headaches and other symptoms. Finally, they will sew in a dural patch (from the muscle in her thigh) where they made the incision in the dura and then close her back up. This will be a minimum stay of 4-5 days in the hospital to monitor for brain activity, seizures and blood clots along with mobility and vision issues.

Posterior fossa decompression surgery removes a portion of the occipital bone (teal-colored area) to create more space for the brainstem and tonsils.

A dura patch is sewn to expand the space for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the tonsils. The concept is similar to letting out the waistband on a tight pair of pants.

Rebecca was firmly against any kind of fundraising - but, being out of work for two or more months and still needing to pay household bills plus added medical and therapy costs, well, she needs help. We are launching this GoFundMe with the hopes of covering the cost of household bills, medical expenses, therapy, and an in-house helper. The costs include:

Household bills such as rent, utilities, vehicle and insurances, food

Any portion of the surgery not covered by insurance

Transportation to/from therapy

In-house helper (cooking, cleaning, and general care of Rebecca)

Our goal is to raise $100,000 to ensure Rebecca can focus on her treatment and recovery, without the added stress of this financial burden. Everything raised will go directly to supporting her and allowing her access to the best possible care.

If you have the pleasure of being in Rebecca's circle, you know what a kind and loving person she is. Resilient, courageous and definitely one of a kind. There is not a thing she wouldn't do for the people she cares for. She has always been there for us without question or hesitation. She did not ask for help the first time around as she had a strong support system along with too much pride and determination. However, this is the second brain surgery and no one should have to go through that without help. Let's help the one that always helps and gives to us even when she has nothing left to give. Life has thrown her nothing but curve balls and she keeps stepping up to bat regardless of the odds. Countless time she has helped pick up the pieces in others' lives and now we need to rally together to help her. No donation is too small, and every contribution will make a significant difference as she works toward recovery.

Thank you all for the support you have already shown to Rebecca - your generosity means the world.

With gratitude,