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For the Love of Carly

Her story

Carly’s story

Told as faithfully as the family has shared it — nothing added, nothing embellished.

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Carly standing outdoors under an oak tree between her two daughters, all three smiling.

Who she is

A wife. A mother. A family’s safe place.

When Carly was young and asked what she wanted to be, her answer was simple: “A wife and a mommy.” That is the life she built.

Carly is a mother of four, Brandon’s wife and best friend, and the kindest and most selfless person he has ever known.

As a longtime single mom, she has been the constant and safe place for her daughters Caitlin and Camryn. When she fell in love with Brandon, she opened her heart completely to his children, Cashyn and Story, whom she met when they were six and three, and has loved them as her own.

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What happened

Everything changed in a matter of days

This is what the family knows, told plainly and without embellishment.

  1. Unusual headaches

    Headaches that did not feel like anything before them, followed by confusion and problems with memory.

  2. August 10 — the ER

    Carly went to the emergency room. Imaging revealed a mass in her brain.

  3. Hospitalized within days

    Extensive testing and a brain biopsy followed during her hospital stay.

  4. Pathology results

    Pathology confirmed grade 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.

  5. What the family has been told

    Because of the tumor’s size and location, the family has been told surgical removal is not currently an option.

“I’m just worried about the kids and their hearts. All I care about is you and them.”

— Carly, in one of her first concerns after the diagnosis

The seriousness of grade 4 glioblastoma is real. The family has not surrendered hope. They intend to pursue every reasonable, credible opportunity for the best care, the strongest fighting chance, quality of life and meaningful time together.

Brandon’s North Star

“We will fight for more time. Protect the time we have. Make that time matter. That’s my North Star. Everything else is secondary.”

— Brandon, Carly’s husband

The approach

No meaningful stone left unturned

With faith, wisdom and urgency, the family intends to evaluate every credible path forward — each one weighed for evidence, safety, medical appropriateness and potential benefit.

  • Leading neuro-oncology specialists
  • Additional opinions
  • Clinical trials
  • Precision medicine
  • Emerging or investigational therapies
  • Evidence-informed supportive care
  • Rehabilitation

The point is not to chase everything. It is to make sure no credible opportunity is missed for lack of resources.

Carly, Brandon and the four children gathered together on a boat during a family trip.

Why now

Why support matters now

Carly’s work has been disrupted. Brandon is between positions. The family currently has no health insurance. Financial support creates options — and it allows Brandon to spend this time beside Carly and with their children.

  • Hospital & treatment costs

    Care received so far and the care still ahead.

  • Specialists & additional opinions

    Consultations with neuro-oncology centers and second opinions.

  • Advanced testing

    Diagnostics that help guide the most appropriate treatment decisions.

  • Medications

    Prescriptions and supportive medications during treatment.

  • Clinical-trial participation

    Screening, travel and costs associated with taking part.

  • Caregiving

    Practical help so Carly is never without support.

  • Travel & lodging

    Getting to appointments and staying near care when needed.

  • Disrupted income

    Carly’s work has been disrupted and Brandon is between positions.

  • Food, housing & transportation

    Keeping daily life steady for the whole family.

  • Childcare

    Care and stability for the children through appointments and hospital days.

Funds support Carly’s care and the needs of the Baker family, with reasonable discretion as needs evolve.