Supporting Ashley During Brain Cancer Treatment

My driven, kind, and beautiful 23 year old cousin, Ashley, was rushed to the hospital by her boyfriend, after he found her having an unexpected seizure. After several tests, the doctors found that she had a tumor on her brain. She had her first brain surgery on July 1, 2020. We were all stunned when the doctors shared the results that the tumor was a Grade 3 malignant (cancer) tumor. Since then, my family has been doing immense amounts of research. They have learned that she will need to have a second brain surgery, in which they will remove as much of the tumor as they can do safely, and then subsequent Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy to destroy as many cancerous tumor tissues that are left without causing any permanent damage to the brain. After many interviews with talented and qualified neuro-surgeons and neuro-oncologists, Ashley determined that Northwestern University is the right place for her surgery. Dr. Matthew Tate will be performing the surgery and Dr Rimas Lukas will coordinate her ongoing treatments.  Both doctors have helped set today’s standards for brain tumor care and are leaders in pushing the field forward. 

Ashley will be in good hands.

Making this decision has been a huge weight off my family’s shoulders, and we are confident that these doctors will give Ashley the best care. Her surgery is scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2020. Ashley will be traveling to Northwestern from Louisville and will be able to return home for recovery before traveling again for her Radiation and Chemo treatments. While we feel blessed that she has good health insurance, this treatment plan is predicted to be more than a year long process, which entails meeting her out-of-pocket maximum in 2020 and in 2021, as well as accruing travel expenses, and her not being able to work to make an income. I am asking, on behalf of my cousin, for donations towards her medical bills, travel expenses, living expenses, and future medical expenses that will come from this being a lifelong journey.

While this time has been filled with stress and fears, it has also been filled with love, laughter, and incredible amounts of support from people who love Ashley. I am blessed to live in the same city as her and have been able to witness her handling this insufferable news with grace. Ashley remains optimistic, selfless, and she continues to be her usual sweet self. She is stronger than I would have ever imagined. It is beyond my imagination to learn that you have brain cancer at 23 years old. Ashley, my family, and I thank you in advance for reading her story, and for considering donating to my cousin through this difficult time in her life; we will forever be grateful.