Betsy’s end of life care & celebration of life

Story

Since Betsy was diagnosed with a spinal cord brain tumor 16 years ago, she has been fighting. She has never given up hope throughout her battle. Her spirit shines through even on her hardest days. Her positivity, bravery, and strength is incredibly inspiring.

Betsy is determined to do whatever it takes to be here with us for as long as possible, and that is something that we are all so very grateful for!

She always says that her faith is bigger than her fear.

In August 2024 Betsy started experiencing new & concerning symptoms. Her scans showed that she had new tumor growth in areas of her brain. Due to the combination of her new tumors being rare & unusual, along with her mutated NF1 gene – the tumors are not responding to the chemotherapy treatment options she has been given.

Her doctors are confused by how these tumors are acting and are unable to provide Betsy with a prognosis at this time. Radiation is something that she has been wanting to avoid, as it will cause more long term neurological deficits. But her doctors have said that Cancer has backed her into a corner – the tumors are growing fast, so they need to attack fast.

Betsy will be starting radiation on May 19th. She will also continue receiving her chemo infusions. My mom will be staying with Betsy in Rochester for 5 weeks. We are hoping she will feel up to traveling home on the weekends.

The cost of Lodging, Food, Transportation/Gas will add up very quickly. As well as the cost of continuing care that will follow. Betsy is on the wait list for The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, which would reduce hotel expenses.

Betsy’s mobility and function have been rapidly & significantly impacted by these tumors. The newest of these symptoms are numbness in her face, double vision, decline in motor skills & cognitive function, and she is currently unable to walk. The hope is that radiation will stop the tumor progression, and she could possibly regain some of her functioning. But again, this is all unknown.

Although, Betsy & Larry & Lori would never ask for help – many people have asked how they can help. We decided that this could be a great way for us to help relieve some of the stress that these extra expenses can create. We have set up a bank account that is attached to this Go Fund Me page, so people will be able to donate if they wish.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update on Betsy. If you are unable to donate, please send prayers & share this page!

I will be adding updates so you can follow along with Betsy’s Journey. I have also added the link for her CaringBridge page, please check it out!

https://www.caringbridge.org/site/5783c85a-ab78-3e37-9fee-b7df5df62c56?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page

Thank you everyone! We love you all, and are so grateful for our Village!

Any questions – contact Sara, Maxine, or Sharon.

Organizers :

Sara Fladager is organizing this fundraiser.