Local family seeks donations
After months of not feeling well and numerous doctor visits, nobody would haev expected the news, especially not Cloverdale native Tracy Nave that she would be diagnosed with a brain tumor.
As Nave got her test results back, she found out that she has been diagnosed with a brain tumor which is located at the base of her skull. Now, the friends, family and coworkers are reaching out to the community to help a family who is very much in need of financial assistance at this time.
Nave is currently a customer service representative at Endeavor Communications. She is a woman who is described by her friends as a very strong woman and a great mother. She is a wife to her husband Denny and a mother to three children, one of whom has special needs.
"As one of my employees she's a really dedicated worker. She is someone who really cares about her customers," explained coworker and friend Ruth Cavell. "She's a really kind-hearted person."
In January, Tracy and her husband Denny will be traveling to Thousand Oaks Surgical Center under the direction of Cedars-Sinai Hospital in California.
"They are sending her to California because the doctor, Dr. Hrayr Shahinian, that will be performing the surgery is the one who invented the new type of minimally invasive surgery," said Cavell.
The Thousand Oaks Skull Base Institute is the only one in the country that is dedicated to the latest research and treatment of skull base and brain tumors. It is at this surgical center where Tracy will undergo a procedure that utilizes endoscopes with cameras to remove brain and skull tumors.
"Her friends and family are really hopeful that the surgery as well as the recovery will be successful," said Cavell.
As the family prepares for the surgery, which will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 11, members of the community are coming together in hopes of helping support the family both financially and emotionally.
"The initial needs of the family are monetary contributions for airfare, food and lodging," explained Cavell. "There will also be long-term needs as well."
There is no set goal that the family and community are aiming to receive. However, both Tracy and Denny will be forced to take off work for quite sometime not only for the surgery but recovery as well.
"I have a lot of faith in the Putnam County Community as a whole," said Cavell. "When a need shows itself the community really steps up."
The community is asked to visit www.wepay.com/donations/tracy_nave to make a contribution and to pass along any thoughts and prayers for the family. All funds from this site will go directly to the Nave family.