Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to share some news about Anat, our family, and our road ahead. Some of you may be aware, but for many, this will come as a surprise. Last week Anat had a seizure at home late one evening. I was next to her and thankfully she was not injured during this scary episode. We came to the Emergency Room at Memorial Hermann, and thanks to the quick action of the team there, we were able to get her stable. Sometime in the middle of the night, the neurologist came in and told us the news nobody ever wants to hear: Anat has a brain tumor. That then set in place a series of tests to give us the answers we were seeking. 

Where We Are in the Process

We have since been placed in the care of M.D. Anderson, which Anat has proudly served on the Board of for a few years now. What we have learned is that Anat has a brain tumor on the front left side of her brain. After consulting with the Chief of Neurosurgery at MDA we have decided to have brain surgery, which is now scheduled for April 25th. We know that the tumor, which is approxminately the size of a golf ball, is operable and does not appear to have spread beyond its current location. We will not know what specific type of tumor it is until a week or so after the surgery, which is when we will get the pathology reports. For now, we focus on surgery, pray it is benign, and ask that she can recover quickly. Anat will likely be in the hospital for 4-5 days post-op.

The Road Ahead

We just do not know. We have a high degree of confidence that the team at MDA can remove most of the tumor and then we will determine the best course of action following the pathology results. What we pray for is that they can get it fully removed and there is no need for further treatment. We will use this platform to keep everyone updated. 

How is Anat?

As you can imagine, she is still processing all of this while recovering from the seuizure and adjusting to the new medication. That said, she is comforted by all of the friends and family who have shown an outpoorting of love and support. She is truly blessed to have such an army behind her. Her primary concern outside of her own health is of course the children. They are aware of what is going on, and we are doing our best to keep their daily routine (which is quite busy!) as normal as possible. While we are absolutely shocked at the news, we are ready to tackle this head on. Anat is Israeli tough as you know. 

What You Can Do To Help

Come visit. We love having company over as it's truly a nice distraction. In times of great crisis, spending time with those you love is the most meaningful way to help. You can "Raise a Hand" via the section below to let us know if/when you want to come by. 

Food. We have been overwhelmed with the delicious food coming our way. While we do not need anything, we know many of you have offered. I want to stress that we truly do not need this. After consulting with the doctors, Anat is now on a very specific meal plan. You know us, and trust me when I say we will be back to raise money for those who truly need it when we determine where to focus our efforts. 

For now, we just thank each of you. What we have seen in just the past few days is overwhelming. I'm doing my best to respond to texts and e-mails and will use this platform to give more substanative updates.