Alley Hoza Rodela

We never knew this level of pain could exist. We are asking for help in saving Alley's life. 

Alley has been diagnosed with a rare inoperable tumor in her brain stem affecting the pons and medulla. The delicate area of the tumor in the brain stem makes it inoperable as the functions of the nervous system, that which controls our breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure and consciousness are located there.  The tumor has caused her facial paralysis including trouble swallowing and seeing, sensitivity loss on the right side of her body compromising fine motor skills, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion and loss of balance. 

Alley was born in Atlanta and moved to Naples, Florida as a baby. She has a close, loving family consisting of her older sister, Vanessa, younger brother, Christian, and mom. After high school, Alley put herself through school at Florida Gulf Coast University where she earned a Bachelor's in Forensic Studies and a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. Alley is known for her humor and zest for life. She has done much service and giving back in her short life through volunteering and mission work.  Alley is a Christian and member of Cross Creek Church  in Fountain, Colorado. She is an avid animal lover, having rescued dogs since she was in 3rd grade. She is only 31 years old. 

Alley moved to Colorado Springs for a fresh start. She has been working in law enforcement for five years. She has grown in her career to be the youngest person in her position in the State of Colorado.

In June 2018, Alley married and became a stepmother to two children.  She welcomed the children with open arms and an open heart and began family planning for a new baby to make her family complete. 

The same month, Alley began experiencing balance issues. She was experiencing headaches and vision instability. Her heart rate began to run at a resting rate of 90-120, leaving her exhausted and weak.  When she went to the ER on a Monday, they ran a quick cardiac work up and advised her to see a cardiologist. The following day she went to a cardiologist who scheduled her for cardiac testing a few weeks away. As that week ended, Alley's face became paralyzed on the right side, had sensitivity loss on the right side of her body, and began to have compromised fine motor skills. She was having trouble swallowing and still remained off balance, dizzy, weak and exhausted. In that week, Alley went from blushing bride to barely able to function.

                At this point, our hell began. 

Alley was admitted immediately to UCMemorial Hospital and began every cardiac test imaginable with her heart enzyme levels so high they feared stroke. Cardiology found nothing.

The neurology team stepped in and gave her every neuro test including CAT scans, MRI, Spinal Tap and more to rule out MS, Lupus, and many other autoimmune diseases and infections. We were, at this point, week two in the hospital. We waited with despair and she worsened without a diagnosis.

Week three crept upon her. It was the day that a neuro from California called for an immediate MRS (Spectroscopy) that the team of doctors discovered what was wrong...what was making our Alley lifeless and without hope.  

Alley has been diagnosed with a rare inoperable tumor in her brain stem affecting the pons and medulla. The delicate area of the tumor in the brain stem makes it inoperable as the functions of the nervous system, that which controls our breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure and consciousness are located there. 

We are at week three in the hospital at this point. The doctors have told  Alley that there is no fix and that they can hope to reduce the tumor through treatment. We have received opinions from three teams of physicians, and are now awaiting our fourth review by UCSF physicians. Doctors are deciding whether or not they can even biopsy. 

We are asking for help in saving Alley's life. Her spirits are high and determination strong to be able to go through the discussed six weeks of high dose radiation and chemotherapy. To explore clinical trials. To be able to take a holistic approach. To be able to explore every avenue of hope. To be able to be cared for and supported during this nightmare. So that she can resume her vibrant life with her family and her new husband and stepchildren. We are desperate and we are broken.

We've all heard stories of people surviving. Of miracles. Of hope. That's what we seek with your help. Collectively we can do amazing things for Alley. We are not ready to lose our sister, daughter, wife, stepmother, friend, and granddaughter. We ask in addition to financial help, that you pray for God's healing. God is greater and there is power in prayer. Our mother has taken an unpaid leave to be by her side and navigate this unimaginable trail. Alley has been off without pay for weeks as well. 

 http://gofundme.com/alleysangels

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We need a HUGE army of #AlleysAngels to make this happen.