It’s incredibly difficult to write this, but we want to share what our family is facing and ask for your support.
Cora's Journey - From the Beginning
In June of 2024, our world changed in an instant. Cora woke up one morning unable to see. What started as confusion quickly turned into fear as we rushed to the hospital, searching for answers.
After countless tests, we learned Cora had been experiencing seizures. At first, doctors feared a stroke—but the truth was even more devastating.
Diagnosis
Cora was diagnosed with a Grade 2 Astrocytoma with IDH Mutation, a form of primary brain cancer located near the optic center of the brain.
By September 2024, Cora underwent a craniotomy at Denver UCHealth Medical Center. We held onto hope as the surgeon believed most, if not all, of the tumor had been removed. But the damage was already life-changing—Cora was left with permanent vision loss in both eyes and continues to endure daily seizures.
Through the rest of 2024 and into 2025, we clung to hope as each follow-up scan brought relief—no signs of tumor growth. Those moments gave us space to breathe, to believe, and to focus on healing.
Then, in March 2026, everything shifted again. After moving to Washington and establishing care with a new medical team, we received heartbreaking news: the cancer had returned.
Even more devastating, we learned that the tumor had likely been growing for at least a year—something that had been missed on prior scans.
Now, Cora is facing another battle.
The road ahead includes:
- An MRI on May 8 to assess the tumor and plan next steps;
- Targeted IDH therapy to slow growth;
- Another craniotomy to remove the tumor; and
- Chemotherapy and radiation to fight what remains.
Despite everything, Cora continues to show incredible strength, courage, and grace in the face of so much uncertainty. But this journey has taken so much—independence, vision, stability—and continues to place a heavy emotional, physical, and financial burden on daily life.
Cora has been denied disability benefits twice and has had to hire an attorney to fight for what is truly needed just to get by. The process has already taken a year and a half, and now, with the cancer’s return, there is a real possibility of having to start all over again—after everything that has already been endured. It’s heartbreaking to face the idea of going through it all again with so little support in place.
Through it all, Emily—Cora’s partner and caregiver—has been a steady and compassionate presence, offering unwavering love, support, and strength at every step. In even the most difficult of moments.
Now, we are asking for help. Whether it’s through a donation, sharing this story, or simply keeping Cora in your thoughts—every bit of support matters more than words can express.
Cora is fighting with everything they have.
We just want to make sure they don’t have to do it alone.
Thank you for standing with us—for your love, your care, and for walking this journey alongside Cora.
With gratitude,
Teelea (mom), Ken (dad), & Emily (partner)