First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has taken the time to visit this funding page. Throughout the most difficult time of our lives, we have learned that we are surrounded by an endless amount of caring, selfless individuals. We intend to keep this page updated as frequently as possible, as we have a very long road ahead. Please feel free to reach out and check in whenever you would like. I would like to apologize, as I am aware that this description is very lengthy. I have attempted to consolidate it as much as possible, without leaving out the important details. Please feel free to scan the wording listed after the bolded dates, as this contains the extent of the reason for this page.

My name is Christin Rakers, this page was created by my mother, Heather, in late December. We believe it is important to provide brief information on our family, but most importantly the reason for this campaign. Eric and I are what I like to consider a “super team”. He is my absolute best friend, and the man of my dreams. We have a deep love for each other and our amazing family. We have three children; Brinley, 6, Deagan, 5, and Brycen, 3. Eric and I spend nearly every waking moment together, between our family and Eric's Food Concession business, that we run together. Eric proposed to me on December 9, 2017 (all three kids present to see me ugly-cry, accept the proposal, and cry some more!)

With that said, two days after becoming engaged, our lives came to a halting stop. Before we could even fathom beginning to plan our wedding… everything changed with a headache.

On December 11, 2017, Eric and I decided to head up to Urgent Care, seeking some sort of “migraine cocktail” to alleviate Eric's 24-hour headache. We dropped our kids off at my mother's house, expecting to return within the hour. The migraine medication was intended, with a CT Scan “just in case”. To my absolute horror, the physician came in and told us that his CT scan was “not good” and he'd need to be transferred via ambulance, to the Barnes-Jewish hospital in Saint Louis, to receive an MRI and evaluate a large mass on his brain.

Eric was admitted to Barnes-Jewish neurosurgery that night. 

Fast forward… Eric spent 7 days, inpatient at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The 7 days were the longest, yet fastest days of my life. I watched my 31 year old fiancé endure things that no human being should ever have to go through. After several MRI's, it was concluded that the baseball size mass was indeed a tumor, and the enhanced aggressiveness, shape, etc. of the tumor indicated that it was “non-benign”. The neurosurgeon insisted on brain surgery, to resect the tumor, as soon as possible.

December 14, 2017: Eric underwent a 4 hour left frontal craniotomy/tumor resection. The neurosurgeon was not able to remove the entire portion of the tumor that extended too far into Eric's brain (further resection would have left Eric unable to speak. Very similar to that of a toddler, who knows what they want to say, but cannot form the words)

He spent the next several days between ICU and Neurosurgery Recovery. I never left the hospital, and spent the entire time on a rollercoaster of emotions, with his sister as my rock through it all. Eric was released on December 17, 2017. The follow up appointment was scheduled for 12 days later, where we would review the biopsy results and form a treatment plan.

December 29, 2017: We met with the neurosurgeon, who confirmed the worst. From here, I would like to redirect you to the “Updates” portion of this campaign (the tab is below the campaign photo). This will shorten the already very long description above, and will also be the main source of my updates from here on out.

Thank you so much for following our story, the story we never thought we'd be living. Please know that we are overwhelmed with your generosity, and every dime given to this campaign will be used to assist in this financially draining journey of ours. We truly never thought that we would be seeking assistance from our loved ones, let alone the strangers that have found it in their hearts to donate. We love all of you, we are beyond grateful to each and every one of you. We will continue to give back to our communities once we complete this chapter of our lives, because we WILL complete this chapter. Eric WILL overcome this, Eric will NOT be a statistic. Please note: If you cannot donate, please do not feel compelled to do so. We appreciate each and every “share” of this page, and it helps so much more than any of us thought it would.

In closing, the sayings “hug your loved ones, cherish your time” – you may not realize the seriousness in such general statements, but try to remember that your entire world may be turned upside down with something as small as a headache. Do not live in fear, but live with a realistic mindset. Tomorrow truly isn't promised…

Thank you,

Christin