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On May 21, 2026, my mother Annabelle Bradshaw, Commonly known as Junior, underwent a mastectomy as part of her treatment for breast cancer. The surgery itself was successful, and we hoped she could begin focusing on healing and moving forward.
Instead, only days later, she developed a severe and frightening medical reaction.
She has a previously documented history of atopic dermatitis when exposed to certain medical materials. Doctors believe her current condition may be connected to materials used while she was intubated during surgery, but the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.
We initially tried to manage her symptoms at home under her doctors’ guidance. Her condition continued to worsen until she had to be rushed to the emergency department with dangerously low vital signs.
She remained in the hospital for 14 days.
During that time, she experienced relentless esophageal spasms that made it nearly impossible for her to eat or drink. Food, water, and medication would frequently come back up. Despite extensive testing, she was discharged without a clear diagnosis or lasting relief.
She returned home on June 24, 2026, but there has been little improvement. Since the symptoms began in late May, she has lost approximately 40 pounds. She has gone from being active and independent to extremely weak and struggling with the basic act of eating and drinking.
We are currently waiting for her to be seen by a specialist at a university hospital in Chicago. Until an appointment becomes available, she is going to her doctor’s office daily so her condition can be closely monitored.
Providing round-the-clock care
Because of the seriousness of her condition, I have become her full-time caregiver.
I monitor and administer her medications around the clock and watch closely for adverse reactions. I help her shower, dress, prepare food, and attempt to maintain her nutritional intake. I take her to daily appointments, participate in home health visits, and join calls with nurses and case managers.
While she was hospitalized, I was there each day to speak with her doctors and help manage her care.
Her condition requires more supervision than I could provide while continuing to work, so I made the difficult decision to leave my job. I have now received my final paycheck, which means our household is losing an important source of regular income just as medical and caregiving expenses continue to grow.
Based on her current condition and the number of appointments, tests, and specialist visits still ahead, we are preparing for approximately ten weeks without that income, totaling about $12,000.
We may also need occasional professional respite care so that I can rest, handle essential errands, and continue caring for her safely. Even ten hours of relief each week would cost approximately $350.
How donations will help
Our current and anticipated expenses include:
• Approximately $5,800 in medical bills after insurance
• Approximately $12,000 in projected lost household income while I provide full-time care
• Up to $3,500 for limited professional respite care
• Nutritional drinks, supplements, special foods, and home medical supplies
• Transportation to daily appointments and future specialist visits
• Additional testing, copays, medications, and medical bills that are still arriving
• A financial cushion for unforeseen complications or changes in her care needs
Our fundraising goal is $35,000.
Because doctors have not yet identified the exact cause of her condition, we do not know what additional tests, treatments, specialist care, or hospital visits may be ahead. The remaining funds will help us respond quickly if her condition worsens or her care becomes more complex.
Every donation will help us keep the household stable while making sure my mother receives the care, supervision, and medical attention she needs.
The person behind the medical crisis
My mother has always been an active, engaging person who stays connected with the people she loves. She is the person who calls to check in, sends the Facebook message, organizes the meal, and makes sure everyone else feels remembered.
Even through everything happening now, she is still trying to face it with her trademark sense of humor. Our family is doing our best to respond in kind, keeping her laughing and reminding her that she is still herself, even on the hardest days.
She has spent years showing up for friends and family. Now, she needs those same people to show up for her.
Any donation, no matter the amount, will help. Sharing this campaign is also deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping us give her the time, care, and stability she needs while we search for answers and work toward recovery.
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