This month marks three years since Tasha Kann, a wife and mother from Northern Michigan, was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade III, a rare and aggressive form of terminal brain cancer. You can read more about her initial story that we covered here. A year later, she was given a new diagnosis: Gliomatosis Cerebri, a deeply invasive cancer involving three lobes of her brain. The prognosis was grim—12 months. Today, she continues to live, breathe, and act in faith. And she still needs our help.
Tasha’s battle began when she found herself unable to move or stand as she was waiting for what she thought was a migraine to pass. At the time, she was 20 weeks pregnant. Assuming she was experiencing a stroke, she was taken to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed a large brain tumor.
Upon being diagnosed the first time, doctors urged her to terminate her pregnancy and begin chemotherapy and radiation as soon as possible. Tasha has said, “They all looked at me and told me my best chances of survival would be to get an abortion and start treatment immediately — which might give me five to eight years of survival.”
Though criticized for her decision, Tasha courageously chose to give birth to her beautiful baby girl – Gracey Joyce Kann – and to pursue unorthodox yet natural therapies. This choice, motivated by Tasha’s experience as a registered nurse, her research, and her faith, ultimately proved life-saving when she received her new, more severe diagnosis. Truly, any type of surgery or radiation was never a viable option for her real condition. Doctors recommended beginning hospice care.
Surprisingly to those who doubted her holistic path, all of these years later, Tasha is not bedridden, disabled, or given up. She continues to draw strength from her children, Deklan (four-years-old) and Gracey (now two-years-old), her husband Taylor Kann, her community, and her God. As she has stated previously, “They’re actually surprised to see that I’m walking and talking and living a normal life. My prognosis isn’t good, so they don’t even want to try. I’m not giving up. I won’t.”
Tasha’s first major treatment was through the Burzynski Clinic in Texas, which provided alternative treatments that held promise. The treatment costed thousands of dollars per month and was not covered by insurance. Amazingly, Tasha’s community rallied around her and donated thousands to her GoFundMe. These funds went toward her care, travel, and treatment, but they’ve now been fully used. And heartbreakingly, Tasha’s tumor has not lessened in size or severity.
Despite these tough times, Tasha and her family continue to live life as normally and courageously as possible. Taylor has recently been elected Sheriff of Oscoda County. Both continue to play roles in their community, parent their young children, and grow in faith, even while Tasha experiences seizure-related symptoms, fatigue, and more.
In the spirit of staying strong and continuing to fight, Tasha and Taylor traveled to Southern California and began a new, promising treatment option. Since this trip, Tasha hasn’t experienced a single focal seizure, which is truly a significant milestone. This treatment will cost $3,000 to $4,000 per month, however, and is not FDA-approved or covered by any type of insurance.
In a recent FaceBook update, the couple wrote, “We want to thank everyone who has stood by us during this incredibly difficult time. Your love, prayers, and generosity have lifted our spirits more than we can say. As we prepare for this next chapter, we’re humbly asking for continued support to help cover the costs of this new treatment, travel, and the many unexpected expenses that come with this battle.”
If you are able, the Kann family is asking for donations and prayers so that Tasha can continue her fight. You can donate here and stay updated here.
Photos provided by the Kann family and used with permission
