“Did you all hear about @miskellany?” That was the first moment I learned about a fellow blogger (and Giving Up on Perfect reader) being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Immediately, several of my blogging friends were wondering what we could do to help.
Jessie at Vanderbilt Wife actually grew up with Kelly but has just gotten to know her through blogging, and she’s organized a great way for us to help out our friend. Like Jessie said, blogging really creates a small world where we’ll so much more connected – and affected. I’m honored to help Kelly as she starts the fight of – and for – her life.
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The Situation:
A few weeks ago, Kelly was your everyday mommy blogger: a frugal, vegetarian, natural and green living, PhD student, living in Mississippi with her husband and almost two-year-old son, Simon. When her vision started blurring, Kelly thought she needed some more sleep and less time at the library staring at a computer screen.
As her vision worsened, however, Kelly underwent medical tests and found out she has a rare type of brain tumor sitting on her optic nerve. She will travel to Johns Hopkins next week for consultation and surgery. In the best case scenario, Kelly will be in the hospital for five days and recovering nearby for two weeks. If the surgery is less successful, Kelly will lose her eyesight. She would need to stay in Baltimore at least a month to go to rehab and learn to live as a blind woman.
Kelly is 29 years old and has a toddler. She could be me. I can’t even imagine what she is going through right now.
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The Plan:
A group of us want to help Kelly have the most comfortable hospital stay and recovery possible. We’re asking if you would consider donating just $3 by clicking on the “donate” button. The money will be used to fulfill Kelly’s wish of having some wonderful, new, comfy pajamas for her time in Baltimore. We’re hoping to have enough to throw in a gift card to Trader Joe’s, so her husband can buy some prepared foods for their family that fit with their dietary preferences.
Will you help by pitching in $3? Thank you so much for considering this!
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One More Thing:
Oh my. This really touches me, Mary, as I’ve known two people in the past two years who have had brain tumors. This is not an easy road, and I’ll be praying for Kelly.
Would you give me a little more information on how to donate? When I clicked the link it sent me to my Paypal account but I wasn’t sure what to do next? Help! Thank You for doing this.
Sorry, Debby! I messed up something in the HTML, but I think it should be fixed now. If you still have trouble, will you leave me another comment or email me? Thank you so much!!!
The same thing happened to me as Debby. It just takes me to my paypal account, but doesn’t show anything about making the donation.
Yes, it’s working now.
Thank you!!
Done. Thanks for this opportunity and keep us updated.
I’ve sadly known quite a few people battling brain tumors throughout my life. I can’t imagine how it would be to be in her shoes right now. Thank you for spreading the word, Mary. I hope she’ll get connected to a good social worker at Johns Hopkins so they discuss resources but if not, let me know. I’m a pediatric brain tumor social worker so some resources are different but I still could probably point her family in the right direction.
Leigh, I can’t imagine doing a job like yours – but I’m so thankful people like you do. I’ll pass your offer/info onto Jessie, so if Kelly needs help, she’ll have one more resource to turn to. Thank you.
this is AMAZING, Mary. i love this. and i love your heart.