Pictured are Mattie, Annee and their several family members and friends

Our recipient this month was introduced to the KARE Foundation by my dear friend Erin who lives in the same area I did in the past in Northern VA and is a teacher in the school system my children attended. Erin received a GoFundMe for a fellow teacher who was diagnosed with Glioblastoma and was in the fight for her life. Erin knew my brother Paul and about the mission of the KARE Foundation and contacted me to see if we could help this teacher. This is how we got connected with Martha (aka Mattie) Potts.

Mattie is a loving wife to Travis, mother of 26-year-old twin daughters (Caroline and Sophie), and a devoted teacher in a Northern VA school system. She was diagnosed with Glioblastoma 2 years ago. After the initial removal of the tumor and ongoing treatments, she was fighting the fight and living her life to the fullest… until recently. Mattie started having cognitive and physical symptoms and the MRI revealed the recurrence of a fast growing and aggressive tumor. For any glioblastoma patient and their loved ones, the threat of a recurrence is the worst nightmare for those fighting the disease.

Mattie had the tumor removed in March and is in treatment once again. Her dear friend Annee, who is like a sister to Mattie, started the GoFundMe since she knew this recurrence was going to put an incredible financial strain on the family. Unfortunately, the school system where Mattie is employed has eliminated their employees’ sick bank, and to receive long term disability, Mattie is required to take 30 days unpaid leave before disability kicks in. There are many medical bills not covered by insurance, travel expenses, and other unexpected costs that accompany any terminal illness. The goal for Annee starting the GoFundMe was to help the family so they could focus on caring for Mattie without the stress and worry of bills or any other expenses that may arise. The KARE Foundation agrees, and we are honored to have been connected to Annee and the Potts family to provide funds so they can focus on caring for Mattie!!

Mattie successfully completed radiation treatments on Good Friday 4/18/25 for the recurrence!!! As Annee said, “She got to ring that bell once two years ago and we got to see her do that again this time.” THE KARE FOUNDATION is so happy Mattie has completed this major milestone in her treatment!!!!! It is a good day for Mattie and we hope this is a sign for the next, (and ongoing), MRI(s) to be clear!

Mattie wants nothing more than to get back to teaching and celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary next year. She is so lucky to have such an amazing and supportive friend in Annee, and a family and other friends and colleagues that are by her side to help her get through this next hurdle in her journey with Glioblastoma. Keep fighting Mattie!

Thank you, donors. If not for your generous contributions, we would not be able to help these families.

Blessings all!