Amanda's Journey

Have you ever had the unthinkable happen? We have. My name is Kim Woods and I want to share the story of my sister-in-law, Amanda Panshoukian, a wife, daughter, sister, bonus mom, aunt, and great friend to many.

On my way to work on January 30, 2024, I called my mom for our daily chat. She immediately asked me, have you talked to your brother, David? A feeling of dread came over me. She then proceeded to tell me the unthinkable news. Amanda was at the hospital awaiting further testing for what they thought at the time was a brain bleed and a cyst on her brain. After her MRI later that evening, Amanda and my brother were told that she had a tumor and that it would have to be removed due to it being in the speech and communication part of her brain. The unthinkable.

A biopsy was scheduled for that Friday and was successfully completed. Then the waiting game started. The long days of waiting to hear the words NO ONE is ever prepared to hear; the tumor is cancerous. Amanda was also being treated for seizures that began happening as a result of the tumor on her brain. In the midst of this all, Amanda and my brother remained positive and strong; having faith that God will take them through this unthinkable journey wrapped in His love and care. Their doctors have been so kind and helpful in strategizing to come up with the best care plan for Amanda. I’ve seen smiles on their faces and laughter in their voices when we talk. They take the time to ask about my boys, all in the midst of these unthinkable health issues.

Amanda had an innovative medical surgery called Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (L.I.T.T.) on February 12, 2024. In essence, they used heat (laser and radiation) to blast away the tumor and cancerous cells in her brain. She will then begin radiation early next week in a clinical trial that condenses and intensifies 30 days of radiation into five sessions in five days. The doctors are hopeful that this concentrated treatment will be what she needs.

Amanda and my brother, David, had no idea that these unthinkable health issues would manifest into such devastating news. During this time, they have been accruing unplanned costs, medical costs for medications, traveling back and forth to the hospital with gas and tolls, parking fees, food costs, care for their dog, and more. As her family and friend, we are asking on their behalf for any donation amount to help offset these costs and future costs for upcoming appointments as her care continues. We will continue to keep you updated on her progress as we know more information. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Amanda, David, and all of her family.