Animal Warrior Courtney Culver Battling Cancer
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ADORE Houston is a 501c3 animal welfare organization that's saved over 4,000 animals since 2011. We typically post stories about the homeless animals we're trying to save from the streets or rehabilitate from acts of abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, this time we're sharing some heartbreaking news related to one of our own team members. ADORE Houston team member, Courtney Culver, has been diagnosed with Anoplastic Astrocytoma level 3- a type of brain tumor.
What started out as a seizure one fateful Sunday morning in March has completely changed her life these last few weeks. The seizure was extremely painful and left her weak mentally and physically. Her tongue was bruised and blistered from clamping down on it. We are all thankful her fiancé Paul was there to watch over her and safely transport her to the emergency room.
X-rays were taken and doctors informed her that they had found a tumor 5cm x 4cm on the right side front of her brain and she would immediately be admitted to the hospital for further testing. After running more tests, doctors determined there was a second tumor and likely they were looking at a malignancy. It was ultimately determined that Courtney should have the tumors removed as soon as possible and would likely be needing radiation treatment after surgery. She was also told she would not be able to drive for at least the next 6 months. Through it all she has kept a positive uplifting attitude. Her main goal has been to get through all of her treatment and therapy while focusing on the care of her daughter Cadence.
The surgery was long and lasted several hours but the tumors were removed without any significant issues. Once out of surgery however, Courtney discovered she could no longer walk or use her left arm. Not only was she faced with these difficulties but she also had to wait FIVE days for the pathology to come back to find out definitively if they were dealing with cancer or not for certain. As you can imagine she became frustrated that the body she has always known and things she's always been able to do now required every ounce of her energy. Through it all, Courtney has maintained her faith.
We all were able to breathe a small sigh of relief once she received the pathology. The Dr. went on to tell her "That as bad as this sounds, the neuropathologist on this case found that this is the mutated form that responds very well to treatment!" In other words, the pathology indicated she did have brain cancer but not the severely aggressive type where treatment options are limited.
On April 14th just 10 days after her surgery another pray was answered. Courtney was able to wiggle her fingers on her left hand! Two weeks after surgery, she finally made her getaway from MDAnderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. and on her own two feet. She's able to walk around without a walker. A little unsteady, she has to be wary of falls but she can get some distance!! She still needs a lot physical therapy work on her left arm to regain use of it but every day there is progress. She can pick it up and put it in her lap now! She is still extremely tired and swollen. She says her brain still feels weird, and it’s a little hard to stay awake long so she is SO glad to be resting at home now.
Courtney has started radiation treatment and her sessions will be five days a week for six weeks. No doubt this will take a toll on her body. Our wish for her is to get through her treatment and therapy, take care of her daughter, rest and return to her work with the ADORE Houston team when she is ready. We will be here anxiously awaiting her return.
Courtney has dedicated her life to saving animals. She works night and day to rescue animals from some of the worst situations. She even follows our current rescues and has facilitated We anticipate she will have many unexpected expenses and hope to make this time of recovery as worry-free as possible. Please consider giving to help ease any financial burdens that may arise for Courtney and her daughter.
Any funds donated to Courtney will go directly to her. They are not transferred through ADORE Houston. Thank you in advance for your consideration. We hope people will be generous for someone who has been generous in spirit to so many others, including the animals.
What started out as a seizure one fateful Sunday morning in March has completely changed her life these last few weeks. The seizure was extremely painful and left her weak mentally and physically. Her tongue was bruised and blistered from clamping down on it. We are all thankful her fiancé Paul was there to watch over her and safely transport her to the emergency room.
X-rays were taken and doctors informed her that they had found a tumor 5cm x 4cm on the right side front of her brain and she would immediately be admitted to the hospital for further testing. After running more tests, doctors determined there was a second tumor and likely they were looking at a malignancy. It was ultimately determined that Courtney should have the tumors removed as soon as possible and would likely be needing radiation treatment after surgery. She was also told she would not be able to drive for at least the next 6 months. Through it all she has kept a positive uplifting attitude. Her main goal has been to get through all of her treatment and therapy while focusing on the care of her daughter Cadence.
The surgery was long and lasted several hours but the tumors were removed without any significant issues. Once out of surgery however, Courtney discovered she could no longer walk or use her left arm. Not only was she faced with these difficulties but she also had to wait FIVE days for the pathology to come back to find out definitively if they were dealing with cancer or not for certain. As you can imagine she became frustrated that the body she has always known and things she's always been able to do now required every ounce of her energy. Through it all, Courtney has maintained her faith.
We all were able to breathe a small sigh of relief once she received the pathology. The Dr. went on to tell her "That as bad as this sounds, the neuropathologist on this case found that this is the mutated form that responds very well to treatment!" In other words, the pathology indicated she did have brain cancer but not the severely aggressive type where treatment options are limited.
On April 14th just 10 days after her surgery another pray was answered. Courtney was able to wiggle her fingers on her left hand! Two weeks after surgery, she finally made her getaway from MDAnderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. and on her own two feet. She's able to walk around without a walker. A little unsteady, she has to be wary of falls but she can get some distance!! She still needs a lot physical therapy work on her left arm to regain use of it but every day there is progress. She can pick it up and put it in her lap now! She is still extremely tired and swollen. She says her brain still feels weird, and it’s a little hard to stay awake long so she is SO glad to be resting at home now.
Courtney has started radiation treatment and her sessions will be five days a week for six weeks. No doubt this will take a toll on her body. Our wish for her is to get through her treatment and therapy, take care of her daughter, rest and return to her work with the ADORE Houston team when she is ready. We will be here anxiously awaiting her return.
Courtney has dedicated her life to saving animals. She works night and day to rescue animals from some of the worst situations. She even follows our current rescues and has facilitated We anticipate she will have many unexpected expenses and hope to make this time of recovery as worry-free as possible. Please consider giving to help ease any financial burdens that may arise for Courtney and her daughter.
Any funds donated to Courtney will go directly to her. They are not transferred through ADORE Houston. Thank you in advance for your consideration. We hope people will be generous for someone who has been generous in spirit to so many others, including the animals.
Organizer and beneficiary
ADORE Houston
Organizer
Houston, TX
Courtney Adams
Beneficiary