We never thought this would be something we would have to write, but here we are. In November 2025, our oldest daughter, Kelly, got diagnosed with a grade 4 glioma – brain cancer. After letting the initial shock settle in, we’re starting a campaign to cover expenses that come with such a complex diagnosis.
In August, Kelly started having what they’re calling “sensory seizures.” Weird spells that felt like the right side of her body was falling asleep 8-10 times a day. Thanks to an understanding PCP, who is also a mom of two small kids, she got Kelly scheduled for an MRI while waiting on an appointment with a neurologist.
The call saying they found something came two hours after the scan. That was quickly followed by another scan, a five day ER visit, and a brain biopsy. Since then, as I’m sure you can imagine, life has felt pretty crazy for Jake and Kelly.
Kelly had to drive to the hospital 5 days a week for 6 weeks to receive radiation treatment. Even though radiation is over, nothing has calmed down. It seems like never-ending appointments and responsibilities just keep stacking up. Regular things like rest, home admin tasks, and folding laundry are falling further behind, too.
Sickness has come through the house, too. Chemo brought on some complications that are exhausting including anemia, blood transfusions, low white blood cell counts, and Kelly’s body just not being able to kick the sickness everyone else seems to be getting over.
As we’re looking toward the future, we don’t really know what it holds. But, we do know is that isn’t going to be a straight-forward radiation and chemo combo for six weeks followed by some scans. Life will be unpredictable day-to-day for some time.
We know our goal is a big number. Brain cancer is also big. These are some needs we have moving forward:
Medical bills: Cancer treatments can get pretty complicated. Some are covered by insurance while others are not or are only covered partially. We don’t fully know what this looks like yet and want to be ready.
Time off: Jake works so hard and does a wonderful job providing. Yet work has been unpredictable through all of this. Sometimes he plans days off and sometimes he has to take a day, two, or a week last minute. It’s good to have routine and keep working, but not having to worry about falling behind on bills because of time off gives so much peace of mind.
Alternative Medicine & Integrative Oncologist: None of this is covered by insurance, but it’s a blessing to have another opinion and sounding board with ways to support traditional cancer treatments. Kelly has already been seeing a doctor who has a plan in place, but treatment and supplements can be anywhere from $1200-$1500 a month, plus doctor’s visits. Additionally, we are in the process of researching opportunities to see specialists and alternative treatments, in and out of state, many of which show promising results. Travel, lodging, and childcare expenses will be incurred. But, these are opportunities we’d like Kelly and Jake to be able to consider.
Daycare: All the appointments and extra tasks have pushed Kelly and Jake to need some additional support watching Jace and Cole. They love “Miss Brenda.” However, it’s an added expense that we haven’t had to consider until the last few months. We’re anticipating needing help, at least part time, for the foreseeable future.
All the extras: Kelly is getting a high-quality wig to deal with hair loss and treatment with a device called an Optune. Kelly and Jake plan to meet with an estate planning attorney to get legal stuff in order. Professional counseling with experts who work with people who have cancer diagnoses are very much being considered.
It is impossible to estimate fully what the expenses will be. We have determined a projected need based on current and future predicted expenses. We want Kelly and Jake to have options, flexibility, and to be sure we are preparing them the best that we can.
It goes without saying that we could not go through this without the peace of God. As it says in Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Because God is the creator of our souls, and He knows us, but more importantly, we know Him, we can lean into Him for comfort and guidance. Kelly and Jake are trusting the Lord. We as a family are trusting the Lord. Because we put our trust in Him and know He is faithful in ALL things, we are able to walk forward in peace.
Thank you so much for your support, prayers, and donations. We know you love Jake, Kelly, and the boys. We ask you to prayerfully consider how you are able to help in the upcoming season of so much uncertainty. A prayer is powerful. A share helps so much. Donations add up quickly.
Thank you for continuing to keep our family in your prayers.
Eric and Cayleen
