Deva's Fight Against Brain Tumor

Deva’s story; A wife, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and so much more. Just 33 years old, Deva Valentim has been diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma – a primary central nervous system tumor.

For years, Deva has suffered extreme headaches, but merely dismissed them as symptoms of dehydration and over working. About two years ago, Deva started having memory loss. She couldn’t remember what she did the day prior. At times, even while at work, she would try to remember what she was working on but couldn’t. She attributed this to ADHD.

In August 2021, after laying down because she wasn’t feeling well, her husband, Johnny, noticed she was having a seizure and immediately called 911. She had 4 more seizures on the way to St. Luke’s Hospital. They were required to intubate her, then performed a CT scan, which uncovered a brain mass. Due to this, she was transferred to Mass General Hospital, where she underwent a craniotomy to remove as much of the mass as possible.

Since the surgery, Deva has experienced speech issues and now has trouble recalling words. Her physician and medical team lost the fight with her insurance company to cover the proton beam therapy that was recommended, as they would only pay for adjuvant radiation therapy, which Deva is currently receiving. She is currently unable to work, has exhausted all the time off earned, and is currently receiving no benefits or earning any income. Sadly, she was forced to put her dream of becoming a nurse on hold due to her illness and treatment protocols.

Deva has begun a long journey. She has to complete 30 rounds of radiation followed by chemotherapy.

Deva’s family has exhausted their resources and she has nowhere else to turn. Our goal is to help remove ONE less stress from her life. She shouldn’t have to worry about how to afford a roof over her head while she is fighting this battle. Her family and friends are asking for your support to help Deva fight her battle. No amount is too little. #supportdeva