Help Debbie Fight Her Brain Tumor and Heal

Story

We are reaching out with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits to ask for your support for our sister, Debbie. Earlier this month Deb was seen in the ER for neurological symptoms and was given the devastating news that she has a brain tumor.

Thankfully, doctors believe the tumor is non-cancerous, but its location and size make it very dangerous. Debbie has a clinoid meningioma—a tumor pressing on her carotid artery as well as critical ocular and cranial nerves. The only viable option to preserve her vision, neurological function, and possibly her life is a complex brain surgery.

Debbie is scheduled for surgery this coming Monday, June 2nd at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. The procedure will include a frontal-temporal craniotomy, orbital osteotomy, anterior clinoidectomy with optic canal decompression, and tumor resection. Her neurosurgical team is highly skilled in treating skull base tumors, and we are incredibly thankful she is in such capable hands.

If the surgeons cannot remove the tumor completely, it will likely continue to grow over time. Radiation isn’t an option due to the tumor’s proximity to sensitive areas—meaning Debbie’s best chance is a full surgical resection. We are praying for a complete removal and a safe, smooth recovery.

Debbie is a devoted mother, wife, and a compassionate registered nurse at the childbirth center in Bellingham, WA. She’s spent her life caring for others, and now she needs our help. She’s been out of work in the weeks leading up to the surgery and will be unable to return for several months while she recovers. Her loving husband, Jason, will be taking time off work to care for her and their two incredible kids, Nico (13) and Cruz (6)—plus their loyal dog, Ziggy.

We are reaching out to family and friends on their behalf to help lessen the financial burden by raising funds to cover a portion of the already confirmed out-of-pocket costs related to Monday’s surgery. Every contribution—big or small—will help ease the financial strain and allow Debbie and her family to focus on healing and being together during this difficult time.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, donating, and sharing. Your support means the world to Debbie and all of us who love her. ❤️

Organizers :

Co-organized
James Bernhard and Rosie Bernhard are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Debbie Bernhard.