Show Up for Sylvia! (Brain Tumor Battle)

My cousin, Sylvia McVay (age 46), was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor is anticipated to be a meningioma, her craniotomy surgery will be performed by Dr. Greenlee at the University Of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The family will not receive a final diagnosis until pathology results come in a while after surgery. Pathology results will confirm the tumor type and grade.

Sylvia is currently preparing for a few days in the hospital immediately following surgery, if all goes well. When she is released from the hospital, the plan is to recover at home. Although this is the current plan, Sylvia does not fully know what recovery will look like at this time. It will depend on how surgery goes, how much of the tumor can be successfully removed, the pathology result, and the degree of side effects she experiences. Sylvia has met with the radiology team at the University of Iowa as well, in case the tumor cannot be fully removed surgically, is found to be cancerous, or is a high enough non-cancerous grade to require radiation treatments. If radiation is deemed necessary, treatments would require trips to Iowa City on a daily basis for many weeks.

Sylvia and her family are very close knit, she has 3 daughters and 1 son. 3 of which are currently living at home, along with her Mother Becky McVay who will serve as her primary caregiver. The family is used to being on the go with a lot of daily activity, so this will be a time of considerable adjustment. Sylvia is also looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild due in early June! It is easy to see this timeframe is significant for many reasons, and the perfect opportunity to provide Sylvia and her family with extra love and support.

Sylvia will not be able to work for a period of time. The duration will be based on how Sylvia’s surgery and recovery process goes. In general, the incision site can heal within weeks, but full recovery may take months - or more. There will be time off work and then restrictions for a period of time for certain. Prayerfully, Sylvia is hoping to avoid a cancer diagnosis and any need for radiation following surgery. Please join us in praying for Sylvia.

Let's pull together and lift some of the financial stress off Sylvia and the family during this time of major life events and healing. If you are not in a place to give, simply sharing this go fund me with others absolutely helps.

Thank you, I know Sylvia and the McVay family are humbled and greatly appreciate all of you! ♥️