To support Kristin and baby Zoe:
https://gofund.me/53335220For Zoe’s registry:
https://www.babylist.com/baby-kristin-grusellHello there and thanks for visiting our CaringBridge site. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.
Here’s our story:
First of all, cancer sucks.
So here it is,
Back in December, Kristin took a genetic test for our baby girl to determine any potential issues (and frankly just to find out gender early). A month or so later the test came back inconclusive. We were asked to be a part of a research study at the National Institute of Health in Maryland where they had been linking this result to maternal cancer. After full imaging our worst nightmare came true. The MRI had found a 7x7 cm mass above her right adrenal.
After finding the mass, the doctors informed us that we would need to do a biopsy to determine further status. After the biopsy the doctors have diagnosed Kristin with Adrenocortical Carcinoma. An extremely rare, aggressive adrenal cancer (and exponentially more rare in pregnant women).
After multiple opinions with the top ACC specialist in the world our course of action brought us to the University of Michigan where they have an ACC specific team. Surgery is scheduled for March 29th to remove the right adrenal, local lymph nodes and hopefully no other damage has been done.
The plan was to have Kristin hang out at home and get to surgery without any issues. Unfortunately, life decided to throw us another curveball.
Kristin has additionally been diagnosed with preeclampsia. After multiple Grand Rapids hospital overnight visits, the doctors finally decided it was time to just admit us at UofM (this was last Saturday so, she’s going on a full week of hospital bed).
The surgery is still planned for Tuesday and it’s going to be a big one. We truly appreciate all of the amazing support in our lives. From the unbelievable families we both have, to the friends we never knew meant so much to us. Thank you. Everyone has come out in full support of this amazing woman and why wouldn’t they, she’s perfect.
There is a laundry list of names I would love to thank but you all know who you are.
Kristin is the strongest, kindest, most amazing woman I have ever met. She’s got this and will be back stronger than ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We love you all! ❤️
Zack
