Larissa's Brain Surgery Fund

In 2011 I had an MRI to diagnose what we thought was multiple sclerosis.  Instead we discovered that I have a meningioma, which is a benign tumor that originates from the lining of my brain.  Every 6 months I have had to have an MRI because the tumor has consistently been growing.  Over the course of the past year I have had increasing, life altering symptoms.  I can no longer clean my own house.  I have had to change the way I cook because I no longer have the energy to prepare fresh foods.  My comprehension is so poor that I find it difficult to complete even the simplest of tasks.  Along with this, I have left sided weakness that makes walking quite challenging.  I sometimes wake paralyzed, have had a couple of falls, and numerous near falls.  In September 2014 I quit my job after having several medical emergencies in the office.  By that point I was only able to work about 20 hours per week.  I started my own private practice which has been great for helping me manage the health issues.  However, that means that I have no disability benefits, vacation, or sick time to fall back on.

I will be having the tumor removed either the last week of May or the first week of June.  The surgeon anticipates an 8 to 12 week recovery time.   That means no income for that length of time.  In addition to medical costs, I need assistance with basic living expenses so that I can maintain my residence for the recovery process.  The goal feels huge to me and I hate to ask so much of my friends.  I value each of you so much and appreciate any form of support.

With much love and gratefulness,

Larissa