Supporting Emily's Brain Tumor Recovery

My name is Ken Mudrick, and I'm Emily Mudrick's younger brother. On July 26, 2023, Emily learned that she has a vestibular schwannoma, a benign brain tumor. The tumor is large and growing, and it's causing pressure on nearby nerves. We are working on getting her set up with the best possible medical team because she needs a specialized brain surgery due to the tumor's size and proximity to critical nerves and brain. Our hope is that she will have surgery in the next couple weeks. The prognosis for this type of tumor is good, but the surgery is not without risks. She is may lose her cochlear implant and is at risk for partial paralysis in her face.

Emily just started a new nursing job at the University of Rochester this month and does not qualify for short-term disability. She does have health insurance, but she's looking at around 10-12 weeks without a paycheck. That's a financial hurdle she wasn't ready for, especially after pouring her heart - and savings - into grad school.

We're launching this GoFundMe to cover Emily's living expenses, medical needs during recovery, and most importantly, make up for her loss of income. We want her to focus on getting back on her feet and feeling like herself again.

Emily has always been an inspiration to me and my siblings. Being a deaf or hard of hearing (D/HOH) individual has never held her back. She's a force to be reckoned with—an accomplished nurse, a deaf educator, and a fierce advocate for D/HOH children and adults. She's always putting others first and never asks for help. But now, she needs our support, and it's our turn to step up for her. Any amount you can give will make a world of difference in her healing journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.