The One Where the Powells Need Our Support

Dear Friends, Family, Fellow Swifties, and Compassionate Hearts,

Let’s come together to rally around our amazing friend, daughter, sister, mama, former teacher, and known Swiftie, Blythe Powell, who is facing an unimaginable challenge—terminal brain cancer (Astrocytoma Grade 4 with IDH mutation, diagnosed in 2021).

Blythe, loving wife to Chris and mama to Waverly, their 3-year-old/Big Girl daughter (she does not like to be called a baby), continues to fight this unimaginable battle one day at a time.

Blythe's Story:

Our Blythey is a beacon of strength, kindness, amazing dance moves (she might deny this, but her friends will tell you stories), and resilience. Her unwavering spirit inspires all who know her. Through many ups and downs, she continues to fight—hoping chemo, PT, and OT can help her be more independent. Her loving and amazing husband, Chris has taken an unpaid leave of absence to be by her side, providing the care and support she needs.

Just after Thanksgiving (Nov 2023), Blythe’s symptoms worsened. In just over a week, Blythe went from driving and doing all things on her own, to needing assistance to dress herself. She’s now suffering from a lack of mobility, extreme left-side weakness, foggy/stuck thoughts, and more. In December, an MRI of the brain showed tumor progression and necrosis (damage from previous radiation). Her oncology team started Blythe on Avastin (an infusion, taken every two weeks) and CCNU (chemo pill, taken once every 6 weeks). While treatment has led to minor improvements, Blythe still needs assistance daily with most tasks.

The Challenge:

As Blythe battles this aggressive illness, day-to-day life has grown increasingly difficult. Chris, determined to be there for Blythe every step of the way, is currently on unpaid leave. They are managing through savings and a 401(k) retirement loan, and Chris is fortunate to have kept their health insurance while on leave. For now they are living with Blythe’s extremely supportive parents close to home, but hope to return to their own house once it’s safe for Blythe to navigate and they have supports in place.

The future remains uncertain. Chris will tell you that besides the obvious, his stress (and therapy conversations) are centered around how he can support his family—from providing for them to making every memory possible. You can’t forget to live!

How You Can Help:

We invite you to support Blythe and her family knowing your generous contribution will be used with the utmost care* towards very specific needs:

Unforeseen Medical Expenses: Helping cover the cost of treatments, medications, home care, and any other medical needs that arise that are not covered by insurance. (Current deductible is met and care is covered by Chris’ insurance, but there are always unknowns.)

Daily Care: Assisting with the day-to-day challenges of Blythe's care and wellbeing. This will be vital as Chris navigates his eventual return to work.

Essential Living Expenses: Helping to cover housing costs, utilities, and other essential living expenses during this period of financial strain.

Nutrition: Ensuring Blythe and her family access nutritious meals to support her health and recovery.

Mental Health Support: Providing resources for Blythe, Chris, and Waverly as they navigate this emotionally challenging journey.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will help alleviate the financial burden, allowing Blythe and Chris to focus on what matters most—each other and their precious Waverly.

This kind and generous community has already shown up with DoorDash gift cards, love, and support from near and far. Let's unite again to surround Blythe with love, strength, and the support she needs.

Thank you for your compassion and for being a beacon of hope for the Powell family. Blythe, Chris, & Waverly - we are all with each of you.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Emily Higbie (long-term friend of Blythe, and recent Swiftie)

*Chris is establishing a trust with Blythe as the beneficiary to ensure that anything donated would be held there and used only for essentials. If you want to know more about the trust, please contact Chris.