My Nonprofit Reviews

October 2011, my 14 year old son Zachary, had some nausea and problems with his vision. His pediatrician ordered an MRI of his brain just as a precaution. I never expected for them to find anything. To my shock, he was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on his brain stem. We were sent 140 miles away to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, TN for treatment. After taking a heavy dose of steroids for a week to bring the swelling down, he had a brain biopsy at Vanderbilt. Three weeks later, he started six weeks of radiation. I was told by my employer I was eligible for FMLA. But I only had 2 weeks of vacation left, the rest of the time would be without pay. As a single mother, I had no other income. The social worker at Vanderbilt referred me to the Brain Tumor Foundation. I submitted our expenses to the organization through the social worker. The Brain Tumor Foundation paid our house payment and utilities while we were in Nashville allowing me to focus on taking care of my son. They were truly a godsend. I can only imagine what would have happened to our home without them. We have been truly blessed! The radiation shrunk the tumor by half. Zachary has an MRI every 3 months at Vanderbilt to monitor for change. We are so thankful for the help!

More Feedback