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Fundraiser for Brett & Shelly

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Brett & Shelly have had a really rough few years and did so without many people knowing what was going on behind the scenes. Anyone who knows them knows they are intensely capable and proud people but they need a little help to make accommodations to their home to make it safe and livable for Brett. which is why I've
created this GFM on their behalf. I appreciate you taking the time to read their story and contributing any amount. Every single dollar counts and helps to reach our goal! Anything you could give would be SO appreciated.

Brett was diagnosed, in January 2019, with inoperable, level 2 astroglioma (brain cancer).

In March of 2019 he had a craniotomy to have a biopsy completed.

In December of 2020 he underwent six months of chemotherapy and radiation as the tumor had begun to grow. Brett has had MRIs every three months since the discovery of the tumor. Brett continued to work in the Facilities Maintenance field for the last several years, even driving himself to radiation for the 6-weeks of treatment.

In April of 2023, it was discovered that the tumor had begun to grow again and numerous doctor’s appointments began from there. John’s Hopkins Hospital had the brain tumor board reviewing all of his scans to try to determine if the new growth was just that or if it was injured areas, secondary to the previous radiation treatment.

By June of 2023 Brett was having difficulty with motor function and body pain which was impeding on his ability to continue working. He had to take off for several weeks and exhausted all sick/personal leave.

The next scan, in July, reflected some areas of new growth and the decline of his ability to use his left arm and leg occurred rapidly.

The scan done in September of 2023 reflected a significant increase in the tumor size and required another craniotomy to attempt to remove some and also determine the pathology of the tumor.

He underwent his second craniotomy on October 9th, with the thoughts he would be home two days later. Once evaluated by the neurosurgeon, Physical and Occupational therapists, they determined he needed to remain in the hospital for another 10 days of inpatient rehabilitation. He was able to return home on October 19th, with little improvement to the motor function.

Shelly and Brett have been managing with the significant decrease in Brett’s salary from Short-Term Disability but they have now found themselves in need of numerous home modifications for Brett’s safety.

They are having to have grab bars installed in all of the bathrooms, they have created a “bedroom” downstairs in an effort to avoid numerous trips up and down. However, the shower is upstairs. They and the doctor’s do not know if he will regain the motor function to be able to maneuver safely in their home and Brett has had a few falls prior to and after surgery and He may have a broken rib from his most recent fall. Shelly or their sons follow Brett everywhere except for this past fall, where he was using a walker to walk about 10 feet to the bathroom and his leg gave out.

They find themselves in a situation where they could use some financial support to help pay for the modifications that are needed. A stairlift is likely going to be the next item needed.
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Donations 

  • Thomas Wolfe
    • $100
    • 8 mos
  • Linda Godstrey
    • $50
    • 9 mos
  • Geneva Cooper
    • $25
    • 9 mos
  • Ailene Barba
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $200
    • 1 yr
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Organizer and beneficiary

Laura Roskelly
Organizer
Crofton, MD
Shelly Griffith
Beneficiary

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