Hey I'm Barbara  and I'm 38years old.

I graduated from Urbana High School. GO TIGERS! I LOVE  my community.

I've always been a very independent and proud woman. I strive to accomplish my goals on my own. However I need your help now more than ever.

I am starting this fundraiser because I'm in dire need. Seventeen years ago, my life was turned upside down with a Medulloblastoma diagnosis: Medulloblastoma (muh-dul-o-blas-TOE-muh) is a cancerous (malignant) brain tumor that starts in the lower back part of the brain, called the cerebellum. The cerebellum is involved in muscle coordination, balance and movement.

Medulloblastoma spreads through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the fluid surrounding and protecting your brain and spinal cord — to other areas around the brain and spinal cord.

The tumor was found on a Friday afternoon in the E.R. The next day, I had a very intense tumor resection (the tumor was quite large and had spread into my spinal fluid.) After surviving the surgery, my left side was paralyzed. I had to relearn how to use my eyes since they were pointed in different directions. My left vocal chard was stuck in an open position, and I had to have surgery to be able to swallow. Radiation therapy and very harsh chemotherapy that left me incredibly weak and medically anorexic. After conquering my various disabilities, I returned to college in a walker and completed my degree at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.

In June 2017, I took a severe fall and fractured my tibia. Once again, I went in for emergency surgery on my knee.

This surgery was very involved, and the fracture was so severe that human ligaments were donated to help me be able to walk again. I was told not to put weigh on that leg for six months. The pain I still feel on this knee can be unbearable some days

To the date, 17 years later, on September 9th, I got an MRI to see if a concussion I had sustained during a stampede on the 4th of July where I was trampled by a crowd who believed there was an active shooter. My life was once again turned upside down.

The MRI came back with a disturbing image. There it was, a walnut-size tumor right above my left eye.

The next step was yet another brain surgery.

The Pathology report came back as Stage 2.  I will now have to make a very hard decision. Should I undergo a series of Radiation Therapies, or play the "wait and see game" that would require  MRI scans every 3 month to monitor the location of this a-typical tumor.

I am trying to raise some money to relieve some of the stress the financial burden this has put on me. Any amount will be appreciated and put into paying the medical bills during these difficult times.

Many thanks for the support.