Washington Co., Wi – Neighbors across Washington County, Wi are being asked to step up to the plate and help one of their neighbors in need. The Rachel and Josh Hesprich family of Hartford, WI were hit with some difficult news this past November as Rachel was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 35.
Here is Rachel Hesprich’s story where she updated family and friends. Reprinted at the request of the family.
Hello family & friends!
First, I want to thank everyone from the depths of my heart for all the prayers, messages, and support these past two weeks. Life has been a whirlwind of changes and it has been amazing to see the level of love and support that has been outpoured. Thank you!!
I’ve been waiting to get through today’s follow-up appointment before sharing too much info or too vague of info. With that said, this freak doctor trip started on Friday, November 11. I had been experiencing migraines off and, on all week, and had actually gone to bed at 3:30 on Thursday because I just didn’t feel good. (Looking back on it, this was the fourth week-long series of intense migraines since April of this year). Friday morning Josh had found me about 5 a.m. having a seizure. I don’t remember much from that morning – vague parts of the ambulance ride to Menomonee Falls. They did an MRI in the Falls but then transferred me to Froedtert after finding an imaging discrepancy.
Looking back, it was an intense whirlwind of exhaustion and testing. The two and a half hours follow up MRI showed the doctors what was causing my problem – a brain tumor. Despite this surprise news, the most qualified doctors in the state of Wisconsin that handle specialty cases like this snatched up my case and got me scheduled for surgery on 11/17. We opted to have the majority of the tumor destroyed with a laser which reduced the hospital stay and overall healing time. The next step is to follow-up with radiation (update is year of chemotherapy not known at time of her writing).
The technical nerdy name of my tumor is a Grade 2 oligodendroglioma. The good news is that this tumor at this phase is very treatable. 90% of the tumor has already been destroyed and they are optimistic that the radiation will effectively kill the remainder. However, this type of tumor will return someday as its just its nature. Doctors will be closely monitoring this the rest of my life and nip it in the bum when it does flair again.
In the meantime, thank you again for all the thoughts, prayers, help, and love that you have bestowed on our family. Josh and I could not even imagine how we would have gotten through this first treatment phase without all the support.
Love always,
Rachel Hesprich
There is a benefit at Cross Roads Tap, 7710 County Road W, Kohlsville, WI, on Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cross Roads Tap will be donating proceeds from food sales to the Hesprich family from the benefit which include: Hot Dogs, Chili, Chicken Breast Sandwiches, Chicken Noodle soup, homemade chips and dip and lots of homemade desserts.
Over 50+ baskets will be available to bid on.
Special raffles:
10-bird hunt donated by Cedar Valley Hunt Club of Fredonia.
5-hour Fishing Charter donated by King of Kings Sport Fishing of Milwaukee
Door County prize pack
50-50 raffle
Thrivent Financial is also a sponsor
I know exactly what you’re going through. I went through it 5 years ago and I was at a stage 4 my prayers and thoughts are with you
Keeping you and your men in our prayers!