Support a Neuro ICU Nurse's Brain Tumor Recovery (Kai Fenn)

Kai is recovering from one of the scariest surgeries imaginable - in October he was awake during surgery to have had a large tumor removed from his brain. I'm a friend of Kai's. He's not comfortable asking for help, but finally agreed to let me organize this fundraiser to help him and his partner River with the astronomical (and continually increasing) expenses from his brain tumor surgery & recovery.

I learned of his brain cancer diagnosis in September while he was organizing a volunteer day for a single mother who cares for over 100 rescued pigs. Kai's always helping others. He called me two days before, apologizing that he’d have to cancel, worrying about the event, and asked if I could run with it. He’d gotten an MRI and the results showed a brain tumor! He was afraid, unsure of the road ahead, and yet still worried about others. That’s Kai.

Kai is one of the most loving compassionate people I know. He’s a Neuro ICU nurse who was diagnosed with a brain tumor after having unexpected focal seizures, headaches, and hearing loss. He and his partner River, and the rescue dogs they care for, Luna and Freyja, live in Asheville, NC. They had to temporarily relocate to Durham, NC for his surgery and care at Duke University Medical Center. As if that wasn’t enough, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on their plans as well.

Here’s what Kai said about his journey:

“My amazing neurosurgeon removed the majority of the tumor on my left temporal lobe while I was awake during most of it. This was the most difficult thing I have ever been through.

I have been on disability since late September and will be returning to my job in January 2025. I have been through a lot during immediate recovery, including very frequent hand shaking, difficulty walking, head pain, vision difficulty, nausea, and a lot of challenges in getting my routine speech, memory of others' names, and ability to actually speak clearly about what I know due to the experience in my brain. The brain tumor was discovered to be Oligodendroglioma Level 2 and large in size. The surgeon fortunately was able to take out most or all of it; however, I will be getting MRIs for the rest of my life, including every 3 months over the next year, to see if cells are reproducing.

Unfortunately, the genetic mutation causing this is not something that will likely completely stop, and I may in the future require more surgery for tumor regeneration or another tumor forming similar to this. It is also very possible the tumor development grows from level 2 to 3. Fortunately, new medication options come out to try and stop this, and chemo and radiation may be prescribed to help slow it down. I am on anti-seizure medication and will be followed by oncology at Duke and locally to try and stay ahead of this as it develops over time. A lot is up in the air, and life may be shortened significantly in the end because of it.

If anyone out there with a lot of extra money and resources to care for themselves can share a little bit to help us recover better financially for now, we would greatly appreciate you. Love to all out here, and if you have any questions, please contact me. I am completely transparent. Thank you so much!”

Mounting Expenses

In addition to over $15,000 in expenses already incurred from the surgery and the relocation ordeal, they have no idea what additional medical expenses they’ll face during recovery.

More to the Story – Hurricane Helene and The Unexpected Displacement

On September 26th Kai, River, Luna, and Freyja headed to Duke for what they thought would be a one-night stay for the initial consultation with Kai’s surgeon. Their car broke down just outside of Asheville (they later found out the reason, during the repairs - the gas they filled up with on the way out of town had water in it because Asheville was already starting to flood due to the storm.) They had to leave the car in a hotel parking lot, took an Uber to a car rental place, and rented a car to continue the 3.5-hour drive. They planned to retrieve their car the next day on their way home, unaware that Hurricane Helene, which was about to strike, would be as devastating as it was. They weren't able to return and were forced into a two-month displacement. Thank goodness they brought Luna and Freyja with them for this “one-night” stay!

While Kai underwent surgery and began his recovery, they had to move nine times over two months before they could move back into their Asheville apartment. On top of medical expenses, they incurred thousands of dollars of hotel and Airbnb expenses, a huge rental car bill, and a car repair bill. They also had to replace necessities like clothing since they’d only planned to be gone one night. Insurance covered a small portion, but these unexpected costs add to the financial burden of medical expenses and lost income.

Despite the challenges of recovery and the financial setbacks, Kai's spirit remains strong. His love, compassion, and peaceful nature shine through in the accompanying photos.

Future Income & Expenses Uncertain

Kai started back to work on January 3rd but worked only 8 hours (instead of the full 12+) while having various symptoms that come and go (headache, dizziness, nausea, etc.). He was exhausted when he got home and was forced to move to a part-time schedule (two 12+ hour shifts per week). This means losing some benefits like short and long-term disability. He’ll still have his health insurance but needs to pay more for it. And they have no idea what expenses they’ll incur during recovery and additional treatments.

The future is uncertain, yet even amidst his challenges, Kai is thinking of others as usual and is planning to start an in-person and online support group for those facing similar battles.

How You Can Help

Even after insurance, Kai and River already have expenses over $15,000 from the surgery and the relocation ordeal. They have no idea what additional medical bills will come in, and what expenses they’ll face during recovery. Lost income during the surgery and relocation period, coupled with the uncertainty of Kai's future income, benefits, and health insurance coverage, add to their financial worries. Your support will help alleviate these pressures and allow Kai to focus on his recovery.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Please consider donating to help Kai and River navigate this difficult time. Thank you!