Jessica Valentin

These three cuties <3 - Ashley McLaughlin

Yesterday marked 2 years since my life was permanently changed forever. On January 23 of 2017 an amazing surgical team at @dukeuniversity opened up my head and removed an #acousticneuroma. It’s was what they referred to as the best of the worst, as far as brain tumors were concerned. 6 hours later, and 3 days of memory loss, I was the weakest and the strongest I had ever had to be. I had to learn to navigate a new normal. Single-sided deafness, crappy balance, short term ...memory and cognitive issues, dizziness; the list goes on. Today, even though I’m fighting a new battle, I am proud of myself and grateful to be alive. I’m so grateful for my amazing family and all they have done to help me get back on my feet. I wouldn’t have made it this far with out your love and support. I owe my life to you. Here’s to round 2, this time with #MALS. #acousticneuromasurvivor #dukeuniversityhospital #otolaryngology #neurosurgeons #secondchances #familymakesusstronger See more

6 months after brain surgery I decided to enroll into college. I knew that God had bigger and stronger plans for me. He was using all of this to build me into a better human being. I still had my life and I wasn’t going to waste another minute telling myself I’ll do it later, when the kiddos are older. I was gonna take life by the balls and own it. I think I’m doing pretty good! #parttimecollegelife #goingatmyownpace #secondchances #acousticneuromasurvivor #acousticneuromawarrior #mynewnormalrocks #somedaysaregood #somedaysarebad #butimalive #malsfighter #battlenumber2ontheway #malsawareness #raredisease