Help the Nastepniak Family!

Hi friends, my name is Sarah and I am raising money for medical bills to help my younger sister Alli. Alli is a strong hardworking mama who takes care of her infant son full-time, while her husband Brandon works out of state on a barge to provide for their family. Alli does it all- she works full time, she is the full time caretaker for their infant son, Braxton and their two pups, Moose and Navy Blue. Alli does all of this without complaint. I am truly in awe of her strength and admire the woman she is- Alli is the true definition of a superhero!

Last fall while Alli was pregnant with my nephew, she was experiencing chest pains that were written off as side effects from her pregnancy. For months she was told it was her gallbladder, and we believed it. But, just a couple of months ago, Alli was experiencing such extreme pain chest pains that she called my sister Cary to meet her and Braxton at the emergency room. Alli was referred to a cardiologist to have more testing. For months Alli has been in so much pain and has been taking care of her son alone (except for the ten days that Brandon is home each month).

After months of false information and not knowing exactly what was causing her pain, we learned that Alli has a teratoma in her chest, a tumor that women are born with that can contain hair, nails, bone, and muscle. These tumors are normally formed in the reproductive organs, but Alli's is in her chest. The teratoma is rubbing against her heart, causing incredible amounts of pain and swelling to her heart. Alli will have to undergo intense investigative surgery to find out exactly where the tumor is located so it can be removed. My 28-year-old sister has to undergo open heart surgery. To say I am shocked and anxious is an understatement. It is going to be a long healing journey ahead of us.

I am asking for your help- any donation will help cover medical expenses or any other surprise bills for their household. Alli's family will go from a two-income household to one. She won't be able to work or take care of Braxton for months. This strong, independent woman will have to rely on everyone else to take care of her- and we need all of the support we can get. We sincerely appreciate anything you can donate, and please know that your generosity will not go unnoticed.

Thank you SO much!