Help Cindy's fight with cancer

We all require self-care. For a social worker and mental health therapist forced to work from home during a global pandemic, the need for self-care was critical. No one can argue the fact that Cindy deserved a vacation. In October 2020, she visited Asheville, North Carolina with the intent to recharge and reset at her happy place, the beach. But upon arrival, something felt off. Typing. Speaking. Reading. All of these cognitive tasks were increasingly difficult.

Cindy’s close friends will never forget that initial phone call of confusion: “I don’t feel right”. Even more vivid, the memory of a phone call only hours later: “I drove myself to the emergency room. They did an MRI and found a mass on my brain”.

With this alarming information, Cindy cut her vacation short and rushed back home to Lexington, Kentucky. On October 13, 2020 and at the age of 46, she was diagnosed with glioblastoma- the most aggressive type of cancer originating within the brain. Malignant tumors grow rapidly, creating pressure and affecting brain function. While the cause of glioblastoma is unknown, treatment for this aggressive cancer must begin immediately in order to prolong quality of life and lessen brain

impairment. Therefore, 2 weeks later on October 26, 2020, Cindy underwent a craniotomy. The tumor was successfully removed and a 4 week recovery period began. The next step was 6 weeks of radiation followed by another break and then chemotherapy from February to June 2021.

Unfortunately, a setback occurred. In late June 2021, Cindy began experiencing a series of micro seizures. Following a new brain scan, regrowth of the original tumor was discovered. The standard treatment was a second craniotomy for removal, followed by additional radiation and chemotherapy. As fate would have it, on that same day, Cindy was contacted by Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. A second option was available at the world-renowned Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. Ironically, this nightmare began in North Carolina and now, a new hope was coming from that same state.

Cindy is eligible for a new clinical study at Duke. Essentially, treatments are directly inserted into the brain tumor, in hopes of allowing her body’s own immune system to attack, leading to shrinkage. This process will require several months of procedures and intense recovery, primarily taking place in North Carolina. Given the lengthy recovery downtime that is anticipated and need to be out of state, Cindy has made the difficult decision to take a leave of absence from her career as a mental health therapist and social worker.

Anyone reading this has some connection to Cindy. Regardless of how well you know her personally, you are reading this because of a connection. You care about the person who shared this and that person cares about Cindy. She is a kind, authentic and warm individual who has devoted a professional life to helping others and a personal life of continuously raising up her loved ones. But Cindy is prideful and independent. Asking for help doesn’t come easily for her. She has been through so much in a matter of 9 months. The surgery, the treatments and unfathomable anxiety related to the unknown. All of the words of encouragement, prayers, food drop offs, transportation assistance- it has all been so appreciated throughout this journey. While this opportunity with Duke gives our friend more of a fighting chance, costs related to travel and medical expenses will add up quickly, especially without a steady work income. Help us alleviate some of the financial burden, allowing Cindy to focus on beating glioblastoma.

Anything you can donate will be truly appreciated and go directly to fund the anticipated travel and medical expense costs. Please spread the word and thank you from the bottom of our hearts as Cindy continues this courageous fight.