Brain Tumor Survivor Credits Medicaid for her Remarkable Recovery

For 15 years, Elisabeth was a church pianist without health insurance. She had always embraced a healthy lifestyle, so when she qualified for Medicaid in 2014, she had no idea it would end up saving her life.

In early 2015, Elisabeth began experiencing troubling symptoms— confusion, depression, and eventually seizures. When a small bump to the head led to a major seizure, tests revealed a large brain tumor pressing on the upper right hemisphere of her brain. The diagnosis: an unusually large, Type 2 brain meningioma.

Fortunately, with Medicaid, doctors were able to immediately perform a craniotomy to remove the tumor. A few years later, however, it aggressively returned, twice the size. Elisabeth underwent a second craniotomy, but complications and a severe infection left her hospitalized. The resolution came when neurologists removed a five-inch section of her skull and replaced it with a plastic prosthetic. After two months in the hospital, Elisabeth returned home for physical rehabilitation and preventative care, which included 30 radiation treatments.

The impact on Elisabeth’s mind and body was serious, but resilience became her new rhythm. After much rest and rehabilitation, she worked diligently to heal and rebuild her life, determined to prove that neuroplasticity was possible and that an injured brain could rewire. Building stamina slowly, Elisabeth walked, swam at the YMCA, and spent countless hours exercising her mind by playing piano, reading, and learning new skills daily.

Today, Elisabeth’s neurologist calls her healing a miracle. Her focus, balance, proprioception, and agility have dramatically improved— despite the odds. Elisabeth has since become a certified trainer in nonviolent communication. Her two children grown, she now works for a worldwide fellowship that supports family and friends affected by alcoholism, and she continues to perform uplifting music.

Reflecting on that time, Elisabeth says, “It was an absolute blessing and privilege that I had coverage when I needed it so much. Without it, I don’t know if I’d be here today.” Her health journey has taught her the value of intention and empathy, and it has strengthened her resolve to advocate for a more compassionate world where healthcare is not a privilege to few, but accessible to all people as a basic human right.