Help Kathy and Her Family Fight Brain Cancer

We are hoping to raise funds for end-of-life care for our beloved family member, Kathy, who has glioblastoma—terminal brain cancer.

On July 7, 2022, we found my mom trembling on the kitchen floor and clutching a glass of water. When we asked what was wrong, her words were garbled, and she was unable to move the right side of her body.

Mom was admitted to St. Mary Medical Center near her home in Yardley, PA. Though she had previously been healthy, we were sure it was a stroke.

We never imagined Mom would be treated at three different hospitals within a week—and that we’d receive news no family is prepared for.

Shockingly, an MRI showed a kiwi-sized tumor deep in her brain, causing swelling and other serious symptoms.

After she was transferred to Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, her surgeon recommended immediate tumor removal surgery. We hoped and prayed this would be the end of Mom’s worries.

Tragically, Mom suffered a stroke during her craniotomy. The stroke left her permanently paralyzed on her right side with communication problems (aphasia) and comprehension/motor issues (apraxia).

We then received the most devastating news yet: Mom had glioblastoma/glioma grade 4, an aggressive form of brain cancer for which there is no cure.

Though most of the tumor was removed, it will inevitably grow back, even with treatment. Sadly, her genetic markers and age predicted a poorer response to chemotherapy.

Mom has bravely decided to preserve her quality of life rather than just prolong it. It was the most heartbreaking decision she and our family will ever have to make.

For six weeks, Mom made strides in stroke recovery at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. She worked hard every day and always wore a smile. Her care team quickly came to love her as much as we do.

After her time at Magee, Mom was ready to come home and be with her family under palliative care.

But, like every part of this journey, we are running into bumps in the road. We have already had to take Mom to the hospital to combat complications and severe pain.

It’s so hard for us to see Mom struggle with activities of daily living. She now sometimes struggles to say "I love you" or brush her teeth.

Now, more than ever, we need additional support to ensure she is safe and comfortable at home.

We will use your loving donations for:

Respite home health care

Accommodations to the house

Medical supplies

Any extra proceeds will go to the Glioblastoma Foundation and to the Darren Daulton Foundation in honor of Mom’s love for Darren and the Phillies.

We appreciate any funds you can spare to ease this journey for Mom and our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.