Help Fund Tumor Treatments for Truman #TrumanTough

The reason for this fundraiser is every parent's biggest fear and worst nightmare. On Wednesday, January 3, our dear Truman Barnes was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor that has been initially deemed inoperable.

As parents, we do everything to keep our children safe. Knowing that something you can't see or hold has control over your child's health and wellbeing is devastating. But, because we are parents, we will move heaven and earth and leave no stone unturned to get the help our children need.

At 11 years old, Truman is a vibrant, smart, athletic, and loving big brother to his two sisters. The standard of care for his diagnosis will require a critical biopsy, several MRIs, and a series of tough radiation treatments.

But "standard" just isn't enough. There are very specialized pediatric oncologists who might be able to help Truman in a bigger way, but getting to those medical centers will require significant travel time and expenses. The family will need to leave their jobs and support systems, find care for other siblings, and jump through continuous insurance hoops along the way. Clinical trials will also be explored as more information comes to light. But again, the right clinical trial could take the family anywhere from Rochester, Minnesota to Radboud Medical Center in the Netherlands.

With our support, we can at least relieve some of the financial burden and allow the Barnes family to focus on Truman and one another. This journey will be long and taxing. But they don't need to carry the burden alone. Let's show them we're all #TrumanTough.

Note: For those who don't know me, my name is Liz Beh Garvey. The Barnes are dear family friends. We met at daycare when our sons were just 10 weeks old. Now they are in the 6th grade together. Like everyone close to this family, and like each of you, we just want to help in any way that we can. Your donations will go into a local bank account so that Josh and Collin can access the funds to help pay for anything Truman needs during his care. There are so many unknowns, which is why your donation matters so much. You're not just giving money, you're giving comfort, security and peace of mind. And that's worth more than you'll ever know.