Twelve years ago, my son-in-law, Sean Pittman, was diagnosed with brain cancer — an astrocytoma in his left temporal lobe, an area of the brain responsible for speech and communication. Since then, Sean has endured four brain surgeries. His most recent surgery was in 2019, and his last round of chemotherapy and targeted radiation was completed in 2018. After that, he was finally given the gift of stability — years where MRI scans were clear. Life felt almost normal again for Sean and my daughter, Sara

Fast forward to today…

Unfortunately, the cancer has returned. This time, it is more complex. The tumor is no longer limited to its original location. It's now affecting other areas of his brain. One doctor described the findings as “extensive” change. Sean is now under the care of a team of specialists at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. The road ahead will involve surgery and ongoing treatment.

Throughout all of this, he's worked hard to provide for his family. In August of 2023, Sean lost his job due to circumstances outside of his control. The job market proved brutal. Job-seeking became his full-time job. Sean endured countless applications, interviews, and dead ends. After a long and exhausting search, he was finally able to secure a full-time position in October of 2025. A glimmer of hope returned.

During that time period, Sara, started a new career. She now works in the Gwinnett County, GA school system, where she helps teach special needs children. In so doing, she provides health insurance for their family.

And now, just as Sean was getting back on his feet, cancer has once again changed everything.

Sean’s doctors have scheduled his surgery, an open craniotomy while awake, for March 5. After surgery, his care team anticipates additional treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation, and a possible clinical trial. The medical team will choose the best treatment for Sean based on the tumor’s biology. This ongoing care will involve frequent travel to and from the Mayo Clinic for an extended period of time.

With surgery and treatment ahead, Sean will not be able to work, and Sara will also need to miss work to be by his side while also caring for their family. The cost of travel, lodging, time away from work, and ongoing medical needs will quickly add up.

Their children, Kylie (12) and Kaleb (10), have grown up knowing their dad has brain cancer. Kylie was only six months old when this journey began. This has been their normal — hospital visits, scans, waiting rooms, and learning far too early how fragile life is.

As many families who face serious illnesses know, cancer doesn’t just take a physical toll — it takes an emotional and financial one as well. Over the years, Sean and Sara have quietly exhausted their life savings while navigating medical care and prolonged uncertainty. Asking for help is incredibly difficult, but at this moment, it has become necessary.

The weight of the medical reality alone is overwhelming. When it’s paired with the question, “How will we manage this?” The anxiety can feel unbearable. In the middle of it all, Kaleb recently asked for permission to cuss the tumor out and "send it to hell." Permission was granted.

Both the Pittman and Gordon families have been — and will continue to be — right beside Sean and Sara as this next chapter unfolds. We know times are hard for many, but we are turning to our community for support, strength, and hope.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for holding this family in your hearts.

Debi Gordon

Mom, mother-in-law, Grandma