Regan's Brain Surgery Fund

Hello my name is Regan Long. I am an ordinary middle-aged woman who does whatever necessary to live life.  I have a loving husband and three wonderful children.  Up until 3 months ago, my approach to life was forever changed...

On Jan 12, 2016 while on my hour and a half commute, I got this strong pain above my left eye which caused me to break out in a sweat and muffle my words. Luckily for me it was not my day to drive because I began to experience something I had never felt before. I couldn’t complete one sentence nor could I remember my kid’s names!!!! Long story short my friend recorded the episode and that evening came by and told my husband. This set off a series of events which lead to my procedure, a craniotomy, on March 4, 2016.

99% of the tumor, which was located on the left side of my brain just behind my ear was removed. This type of tumor has hair like appendages that burrow into the brain. Because of this detail, further treatment is required such as radiation and chemotherapy.  The protocol is as follows:

6 weeks of radiation – Each session only lasts 30 seconds!!

Chemotherapy – Pill for 2-3 times a day for upwards of a year

I don’t remember the name of the medication, but what I do remember the oncologist saying is the pills alone can cost anywhere from $0 to $2000 a month depending on a number of factors. 

Although my company offers short term disability coverage, it turns out that the coverage not only reduces my payout down to 60% but it doesn’t officially kick in until 6 months after I make the claim. Unfortunately, I’ll have to use all of my vacation hours and will still not have enough coverage before short term disability kicks in.  I have everyday household expenses to cover in addition to trying to fund my daughter’s college education this year.  

 If you can help me and my family through this difficult time in my life I thank you. What I want mostly taken away from this is my advice; take care of YOU and everything else important will fall into place.  When or if I start back to the “old way” all I have to do is look at the scar on the left side of my temple to remind me that you need to fill your cup before you can begin filling others and that it all starts with a strong relationship with GOD and His love.  Knowing that, I find peace in Him, and I pray that you do the same.

Thank You,
Regan