I hope to spread brain cancer awareness by participating in this walk and fundraiser. Before I was diagnosed, I knew nothing about brain cancer. People need to be educated about this cancer, and all types of cancers for that matter.
This has been a long journey for me. In 2019, I began seeing dark spots in my vision. I went to an eye doctor, who recommended I get an MRI since it seemed that something was putting pressure on my eye. When the MRI was done, a large brain tumor appeared on the scan. I was told to go to the emergency room right away. Luckily, Cody was with me. At the emergency room, I was told the tumor was most likely cancer. Within 24 hours after finding out I had brain cancer, I was in surgery. I had no time to think and was terrified for my life. I am incredibly blessed that my tumor was removed entirely. I know loved ones who haven't been so lucky. I spent two weeks in the hospital. 

A couple of weeks after my tumor was removed, I experienced the worst migraines of my life with vomiting. I honestly was worried that I was dying. It was the worst pain I have ever experienced. My family took me to the hospital, and we learned my cerebral fluid was not draining correctly and was building up pressure in my brain. I had to spend another two weeks in the hospital, with another surgery to put an internal shunt in my brain to drain the cerebral fluid. 

In my first round of treatment, I underwent six weeks of radiation treatments and 42 days of chemotherapy pills. In my second round, I underwent continuing treatments with five days of monthly chemotherapy pills until early 2021. In October of 2021, my internal shunt was malfunctioning, and I had to get it replaced. In August of 2022, I had a small wound open on my scalp, and I spent 11 days in the hospital fighting off an infection and had my shunt removed. Amazingly, my brain no longer needed the shunt to regulate the pressure of the cerebral fluid. Praise God! 

I have had a total of four surgeries. I am beyond blessed to have so much love and support from my incredible family and friends. I wouldn't have been able to get through this without them! I praise God I am cancer free! 

I am so excited to invite you to join my team to fight for this significant cause. If you aren't able to join my team, I hope you consider donating to the National Brain Tumor Society to help spread awareness. Thank you and God bless!