Help Isla and the Woods with Medical Expenses

In an instant life can change and a parent’s worst nightmare can become reality. On Sunday, October 24th Isla Jean, just shy of one and a half years old, was diagnosed with a cerebellar brain tumor. A parent’s nightmare, now a reality. Isla’s mom Lindsey Dober Wood, an RN and Critical Care Transport paramedic , found herself on the receiving end of a critical medical transport as they rushed Isla to Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC for emergency evaluation. Isla’s dad Jon raced to Durham to face the daunting unknown after first arranging for the care of Isla’s older sister Fisher. Jon and Lindsey met with the amazing team at Duke and early Monday morning Isla had a drain placed to remove extra fluid from around her brain before undergoing emergency surgery to remove the tumor. At 10 pm on Monday night, family received the news that Isla had made it through a 6 hour surgery! The first battle had been won and Isla was showing great strength. After meeting again with the medical team, Jon and Lindsey learned that they and their baby girl would have a journey ahead of them. ***UPDATE***On November 1st Jon and Lindsey met with the pediatric oncologist and found out that Isla has an extremely rare Medulloblastoma. Sonic Hedgehog subgroup of tumors is so rare that there have only been 11 total cases, Isla bringing that number to 12. All of these cases have been treated at Duke University and she will undergo treatment for the next year or so. Although this is a great prognosis, she isn't out of the woods yet. Her near future will include chemotherapy to blast the remnants of the tumor and spinal lesions, physical therapy, repeat scans and any other interventions required to heal this beautiful baby girl.
While Jon and Lindsey focus all of their strength and energy on ensuring Isla receives the best care possible, friends and family, in addition to love, prayers and support can consider donating to this GoFundMe page to help reduce the burden of mounting medical expenses. Lindsey, who has nursed others to health for many years, will now be nursing her daughter to health. Jon, Construction Project Manager for Trusst Builder Group, will now be building a new foundation for Isla. The family and friends of Jon, Lindsey, Isla and Fisher hope that this fundraiser can relieve just a small part of their new reality. In an instant their lives changed……in an instant you can lift them up! #ISLASTRONG