I originally planned to write this week’s KellyGram about my law partner, Lisa Cotten, who is scheduled to receive an award tonight for her outstanding leadership in her profession and community. True to her commitment to helping others, Lisa specifically requested that instead of sharing her story, I share that of Sarah Bauer and her son, Mari, who are in need of community support. Upon learning of the plight Mari and Sarah are facing, I was moved, and I suspect many of you will be as well.

Mari is a sophomore at Blythewood High School and the classmate and teammate of Lisa’s son, Myles. He is 16 years old, has a twin brother, and is an honors student who lives to play football. Mari began experiencing seizures in July 2019 and was diagnosed with epilepsy. His neurologist started him on medication and cleared him to resume normal activities, but Mari’s condition continued to worsen. On February 19th, Mari underwent an MRI to narrow down the cause of his seizures, which revealed a concerning spot; he was promptly referred to a neurosurgeon. When Sarah and Mari met with the neurosurgeon the following week, he delivered earth-shattering news: Mari had a brain mass in his right frontal lobe.

Due to the tumor’s size and the swelling around it, Mari’s doctor advised that it needed to be removed right away; nine days later, on March 3rd, Mari underwent brain surgery. The procedure was successful, and he is now home and recovering while he and Sarah anxiously await the pathology reports to confirm whether the tumor was noncancerous. The emotional toll on the family has been and will continue to be tremendous, and Mari’s treatment has taken a considerable financial toll as well. Sarah, a single mom, has had to take time off from work to care for her son; meanwhile, she must continue to provide for her boys and do so while paying off astronomical medical bills.