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Brain Surgery Survivor Inspires Students Daily
9 May
Summary
- A teacher faced a brain tumor diagnosis and surgery.
- She continued reading bedtime stories from her hospital bed.
- Five years later, she's thriving and cherishes every moment.
A Bethel Park elementary school teacher, K.D. Meucci, has emerged as a beacon of strength after a harrowing brain tumor diagnosis. In the fall of 2021, Meucci contracted COVID-19, and subsequent symptoms led to the discovery of a brain tumor.
Facing surgery just six days after diagnosis, Meucci grappled with fears for her young children's future. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Matthew Shepard, was moved by student cards surrounding her, recognizing the community's stake in her recovery.
The successful six-hour surgery removed a benign meningioma, a rare slow-growing tumor. Undeterred, Meucci maintained her weekly Facebook Live bedtime story sessions from her hospital bed the very next day.
Within three months, she was back in the classroom, deeply grateful to Dr. Shepard, whom she now humorously features on her earrings. Five years post-surgery, Meucci continues regular MRIs and lives by the principle of seizing every moment with happiness.
