I have set up this campaign for my friends Jess & Steve Farish. Jess was diagnosed with a low-grade glioma of the brain stem in June 2023. This is a slow-growing form of cancer that presented itself in the brain stem, making it inoperable.
She followed the advice of her team at Mayo and completed 6 weeks of radiation to the brain, ending on August 23, 2023. Side effects from radiation have been long-lasting, most notably affecting her memory and energy.
Since radiation therapy, they have completed several rounds of integrative treatment, resulting in a very unexpected shrinking of the tumor in June of 2024 (after being told not to expect any shrinking from radiation, just halting growth for as long as possible).
In November of 2024, a new spot showed up in the brain stem. In the most recent MRI, the new spot had grown and the original tumor had changed, causing MRI’s to go from 3 month intervals to 6 weeks. With this information, Jess began new integrative treatments in Mankato on February 26th and will continue for 6 weeks. She will then move to maintenance treatments. These are not covered by insurance and are to be paid on the day of treatment for each therapy.
My desire in setting up this crowd fundraiser is to relieve their immediate financial pressure and future unknowns so that both Jess & Steve can focus on her treatment and care during this heavy and difficult period. Any donation is very much appreciated. Thank you so much!