Help support Jenn's Reconstructive Surgery

  Update with pictures added today

 Hey everyone! I'm Jenn, and later this month, I will have major reconstructive surgery on my head to remove a tumor. The procedure is called "Bilateral Latissimus Dorsi Free Flap." During the next few months, my family & friends will help raise funds on my behalf to assist with the associated expenses along this journey.

   I have a rare genetic condition called "Segmental Neurofibromatosis," localized to my head and brain, which causes tumors to grow within my nerves. I currently have four non-cancerous but inoperable brain tumors. Radiation treatments have failed so far and will be monitored going forward. In addition, I also have a very large scalp tumor covering most of my skull, affecting various functions of my head. I face potential risks for blood clots, Stroke, Blindness, and hearing loss. My condition is very painful and scary, and uncertain.

   After nine long and painful years, a team of doctors will attempt to remove it surgically. The medical procedure will be very advanced, invasive and timely for proper recovery and successful outcome. The process includes removing 60% of my scalp down to the skull. The medical team will remove both of my Latissimus muscles from my back to reconstruct the missing scalp. They will fill the void areas on the skull. Those muscles will then need a new blood supply. Therefore, they will open the left side of my neck from the collarbone to that new muscle to add new arteries/veins as needed. The Dr. will then take some STSG (split-thickness skin grafts) from my upper thighs and place them to cover that new muscle. Unfortunately, the skin grafts are non-hair bearing, so I'll never have the ability to regrow hair on my head again. 

   The initial surgery will last approximately 12 hours, and my recovery will be in the ICU moving forward until transferred to another hospital unit for care. My recovery will be three months of significant "around-the-clock" care, with many physical restrictions, medical scans, labs, and other needed appointments with specialists overseeing this surgery.

   My family and I have a long road ahead of us. We have created this GFM page, hoping you can help us during this difficult time. We've exhausted our ways to try and do this alone, but we simply can't any longer. We are asking for your support to help through donations, prayers, and sharing this information. All donations will cover extra medical costs, travel expenditures, lodging, food and lost wages during this time. We can't thank you all enough; words alone won't show our gratitude for your help. Thank you!

Jenn & Family