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!
DECEMBER 2025 UPDATE!!
In November of 2024, a new spot appeared on an MRI, also located in the brainstem. A follow-up MRI three months later showed that this new spot had grown and that the original tumor was more active. As a result, my MRI schedule was changed from every three months to six weeks, and I began new treatments as soon as possible. I am incredibly grateful for everyone’s prayers and donations that made those treatments possible.
By July, the new spot was no longer visible, and the original tumor showed decreased activity. Because of this progress, I was able to return to MRIs every three months. I have now had two stable scans in a row, meaning the tumor is not growing at this time.
I saw my doctor last week, and he recommended a new treatment protocol that I will begin later this month. All of the medications can be taken at home, which is a huge blessing. The primary medication is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and has shown success in tumors like mine—not just slowing growth, but in some cases eliminating the tumor entirely. There are few side effects which is also appealing.
This will be at least an 18-month commitment (unless something miraculous happens sooner) and it will cost around $1100 each month. The main medication is in a study phase for gliomas but not approved yet so there is no insurance coverage.
We have changed the fundraising goal to be 20,000 above what has been raised already to represent the cost for the new treatment. We are so thankful for all of your prayers and support.