Story
Name
Amy Keithly
Injury/Illness
Brain Tumor
On July 7th 2023, my life was turned upside down and the path for the rest of my life was changed. That day, I was taken by ambulance to the hospital with symptoms of vomiting and what I now know was a focal seizure. Upon arrival at the hospital, I had a more serious seizure in front of my 15 year old and immediately had a CT scan where they discovered a brain tumor. I was rushed to St. Louis University hospital and a tumor removal was scheduled for 7/13. Upon removal, they informed my husband and family that I had a stage 4 Glioblastoma. A non curable brain cancer with a prognosis of 12-18 months. I am currently on chemo.
Prior to these events, I worked full time as an elementary school secretary for a building that I dearly love. The staff and community has been amazing to me while I’ve been going thru this. I now work a very tailored schedule as the pain I’m experiencing limits what I can do but I am determined to do it as long as my body allows. I have been married to my amazing husband Craig for 23 years. I don’t know what I would have done without him by my side. We are the parents of a 16 year old, Abigail. Craig is self employed and has had to cut back drastically to take care of me, and get me to and from appts/treatments. He has been the main breadwinner and losing so much of his income, we have taken a hit. Because he’s self employed, he does not get sick or vacation pay. We are now starting to fall behind behind on some of our bills and rent is becoming harder to afford with such a cut in our income. Since my diagnosis in July 2023, I have been in the hospital 3 different times, staying each time at least 2 weeks because the tumor has progressed. Not being able to work during that time has really hit us hard.
Thank you for your consideration as I continue to fight for time with my family. I have 3 things I would like to do before this terrible disease takes over. 1. Turn 50, 2, Celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary, 3. See my daughter graduate high school. With these financial burdens hanging over my head, it is hard at times to put my health first and I desperately need that positive mindset to keep fighting and see these things happen.
Again, thank you for your consideration
The Keithly Family
