Help Irina Beat Cushing's Disease: A Military Family's Fight

Hi, my name is Richelle, and I'm reaching out to support my brother Cody, his wife Irina, and their precious daughter Elda through an extraordinarily challenging medical journey.

After dedicating 16 years to serving our country in the US Army, Cody and Irina were ready to begin their new chapter in Colorado Springs. However, their transition to civilian life took an unexpected turn when Irina was diagnosed with Cushing's disease, an extremely rare endocrine disorder caused by a brain tumor on her pituitary gland.

The first sign that something was wrong came during Irina's pregnancy. Their daughter Elda arrived dangerously early at just 27 weeks in March 2023, weighing a tiny 1 pound 9 ounces. After four intense months in the NICU, they finally brought their fighter home, but Irina's health continued to deteriorate. What should have been a joyful time with their newborn became a battle with severe symptoms: anxiety, dangerous blood sugar fluctuations, hormonal imbalances with cortisol levels five times the normal range, and high blood pressure.

For a year and a half, they tried every natural remedy possible. Despite undergoing brain surgery in November 2024, the procedure failed to cure the disease. After seeking multiple opinions, doctors discovered a second tumor in an extremely high-risk location in Irina's brain. The complexity of the case requires specialized care that's only available at Stanford Neuroscience Health Center in Palo Alto, California – 1,300 miles from their home.

Irina, once an avid marathon runner, dreams of returning to the trails this summer with Elda and Cody by her side. Her next surgery is scheduled for March 20th at Stanford, marking what we hope will be the final chapter in this long journey. Cody has retired from the military to provide full-time care for both Irina and Elda.

We're raising $4,700 to help cover the essential expenses of travel, lodging, childcare, and medical care. This family has already shown incredible strength – Cody through his military service, Irina through her unwavering spirit, and little Elda through her fighting start to life. Now, they need our help to cross this final hurdle.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings them closer to healing and the active, healthy life they deserve. Please share their story and join us in supporting this remarkable family.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Richelle