Support Josienne's Road to Recovery

This fundraiser is in support of Josienne Broccoli and her road to recovery.

For those who may not know, on November 25th, Josienne will be undergoing a craniotomy to remove a meningioma (tumor) from her cerebellum. A craniotomy is open brain surgery where a surgeon removes a piece of your skull to access your brain to remove a tumor, then replaces the piece after surgery. This fundraiser’s goal is to provide additional support to their family, by offsetting expenses that are associated with the procedure.

** For example, Josienne will be required to stay within a set commuting distance of the hospital for 14 days after the surgery, creating the burden of an additional lodging expense.

Josienne began this medical journey six years ago, after sustaining a nose injury while playing soccer. During an examination, it was discovered that she had a pleomorphic adenoma (a benign tumor in her salivary gland) and had to undergo a superficial parotidectomy. Taking the necessary actions to assess and remove the tumor, doctors discovered two additional incidental findings: a meningioma (tumor on the cerebellum) and a pituitary adenoma (tumor on the pituitary gland). The meningioma is located near Josi’s transverse vein, and required close monitoring to ensure that it did not cause further complications. Unfortunately, the tumor has continued to grow and is now resulting in various medical complications. Over the course of the past two years, Josienne has continued to experience increased headaches (almost daily) and migraines (weekly), coupled with constant extreme sensitivity to noise, and light. After consultation from various neurosurgeons it was determined necessary for the tumor to be removed.

Until recently, Josienne and her husband Nick were working as Department of Defense employees overseas at the U.S Army Garrison in Vicenza Italy. Unfortunately, with the necessity of the operation, Josienne and Nick determined that they would no longer be able to sustain themselves due to future foreseen medical expenses. Not having a solid support system overseas and losing one of their primary sources of income the couple decided to make a difficult decision. Josienne located a neurosurgeon in Atlanta Georgia, so that she could receive the operation close to family. This decision did not come without sacrifice, as Josienne had to leave behind her job, friends, and professional soccer career. Subsequently, Nick enlisted into the U.S Army, so that he could continue to provide support for their family and their future endeavors.

Brain surgery recovery is a gradual process and can take several months, and sometimes more. Additionally, after the surgery Josienne will need to be treated with radiation to ensure the complete removal of the tumor, and to minimize the probability of the tumor returning cancerous. It will take time before Josienne will return to full health, and there is a strong possibility that both physical and speech therapy may be needed to help with rehabilitation. Despite the uphill journey, Josienne remains positive that with the support of her family and friends she can overcome anything. She is grateful that medical professionals found this early on, and though there will be various future challenges, she remains determined to tackle the road to recovery. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Thank you for taking time to read Josienne’s story. :)