Janelle Wilcox

Janelle Wilcox, 35, wife to Fred, and mother to Thomas, 9, had a surgery to remove a brain tumor (Low grade 1 pilocytic astrocytoma) on Feb. 5, 2015. Hospitalization was expected to last 3-7 days and return to work at Linn County MHDD in her position as a targeted case manager was estimated at 4-6 weeks. Janelle was hospitalized for 2 months, has had an additional surgery to install a programmable shunt, now has epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and at four months out from surgery is considered totally disabled with a return to any substantial and gainful employment unlikely. Janelle suffers from loss of short term memory that results a near complete amnesia from some time prior to the surgery to about 30 minutes from the present. She literally lives "in the moment." Not being able to track something as simple as the day of the week or date causes Janelle great confusion and upset. Other deficits include issues with balance and coordination, concentration,  sequencing,  navigating within space. She requires additional naps and rest, fatiques easily, and has muscle soreness. Janelle requires 24/7 care due to the complications brought on by the surgery. She attends aggressive speech, occupational, and physical therapy appointments three times a week for 2 hours each time.  At this time, it's not known if and to what degree Janelle will be able to regain her independence. Doctors suggest she will attain "maximum therapeutic benefit" in recovery one year from the date of her last surgery on March 6, 2015.

Janelle was born to proud parents Laurie and Pat Cashman and is from the Oxford Junction - Wyoming, IA area. She has three younger sisters Christina, Rebecca, and Emily. She graduated from Midland High School in 1998. She attended Mount Mercy University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in social work in 2003. She married Fred Wilcox August 2, 2003. Thomas Wilcox joined the family on September 13, 2005. She has completed her Masters degree in social work at the University of Iowa in 2007, and has worked for Linn County, initially with Options, and shortly thereafter for Linn County MHDD since 2007. She is a member of St. Jude Catholic Church and has served as lector, eucharistic minister, chair of faith formation committee, parish council committee member and was well known as the coordinator for the yearly women's brunch held at St. Jude in October. Janelle was also active with the family in cub scouts as an assistent den leader.

Janelle found out about the tumor only as a result of her search for a reason why she hadn't had another child since Thomas was born 9 years prior. Janelle was told as a last resort and after seeking the assistance of three providers that a MRI of the brain might be a good idea to rule out a pituitary tumor. Janelle exhibited no other symptoms or health problems prior to the discovery of the 4 centimeter tumor which had likely grown over the period of decades. Others around her would describe her as full of energy and at the top of her game until the surgery.

My name is Rachel I am Janelle's caregiver.  I am setting up this page in hope that people will want to help out. Janelle had a brain tumor removed in February 2015. There were complications following her surgery. Please consider donating to help out a family in need. All donations go towards helping Janelle with her recovery.