Rally for Raelynn- Her Battle with Brain Cancer

Let me introduce you to my granddaughter, Raelynn....

She’s just 7 years old, but this little lady has BIG, meaningful things to accomplish in this world. She has big plans. #Projects! Her smile is even bigger, and her laugh is infectious! Her brothers all adore her. Her radiant spirit fills the room, and you literally have no choice but to melt and let her steal your heart.

This last year, Raelynn has been very busy, balancing her time between 1st grade, feeding the family ducks, playing with her Barbies, competition cheer and gymnastics. But life took a turn in December when, in a matter of mere days, Raelynn went from a healthy young girl doing competitive cheer, to being unable to walk or see, then being rushed to the ER. She was immediately life flighted to a children’s hospital and was diagnosed with a very large cancerous brain tumor (Grade 1 glioma around her hypothalamus).

Raelynn has had three surgeries so far, but this latest surgery, the first week in January 2024, was what you would call a lifesaving ‘Hail Mary’ to stop a new, very dangerous ‘storm’ of strokes that had been intensifying. The surgery was scheduled for the following day and the plan was to go in and get everything they could reach, with the simple hope that she would wake up after such an invasive surgery.

Of course, Raelynn had her own plans. After the surgery, the doctors were going to leave Raelynn intubated for three days and then see if she was going to wake up. I did tell you about my granddaughter, didn’t I? Raelynn was opening her eyes, kicking, grabbing her dad’s hand on Day #1! “OK”, they said, and pulled the tube within 24 hours. #warriorprincess #smallbutfierce

The sudden onset of this cruel illness has left her family grappling with emotions and challenges that they never imagined facing as a family. Despite enduring multiple surgeries and coming to terms with the debilitating and potentially permanent neurotrauma, she continues to exhibit a strength that surpasses us all. They never imagined they’d ever be in a position where they would need to reach out for help or share a deeply personal and challenging chapter of their lives.

Raelynn still has small pieces of this cancerous tumor remaining that will need chemo or some form of treatment. She isn’t done by any means. She has a long road ahead in both treatment as well as recovery and rehab. That said, this is Raelynn we’re talking about here! The little girl who the doctors had hoped would wake up last week, this week just said, “I can member that!” and “I love you” when she was told by her #bonusmom to ‘tell dad to give you extra hugs and kisses for me!’ #unstoppable

Raelynn has been in and out of the hospital for most of December. Her family lives 2.5 hours away from the children’s hospital where her pediatric neurosurgeon team is located, so the back and forth, living at the hospital and sudden 2am trips have taken their toll on them emotionally, physically and financially. While my son’s medical insurance will cover most of the medical costs, there are costs for Raelynn’s ongoing care that insurance does not cover:

• Ongoing travel/hotel costs for family to stay together when Raelynn starts chemo and has future treatments and rehabilitation PT/OT.

• Convert aspects of their home with adaptations to make it safe and accessible for Raelynn and her parents to take care of her(shower, doors, ramps, etc.)

• Hospital bed & lift for Raelynn downstairs, as well as other assistive technologies.

• Special car seat

• Wheelchair and other mobility aids or assistive devices

• Wheelchair rack/lift for their car

• Loss of partial income from one parent who has and will need to take more time off when Raelynn comes home (est. 24 mo. at least)

• Special needs products for Raelynn that will be new for family grocery/Amazon budget

They are unsure of what type of care they may be able to receive on a daily basis, so there may be a need for additional daily support while Realynn is regaining her ability to move and function independently.

Any amount you’re able to give is so greatly appreciated, and if you aren’t able to contribute money at this time, a share with your friends, cheer community, family members and social media would mean the world to Raelynn’s family. Please tag #rallyforraelynn

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping in Raelynn's fight against brain cancer. Raelynn's strength inspires us daily, and with your help, we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead and provide Raelynn with everything she needs, while holding all the pieces together as a family during this difficult time.