This article was originally published by The Lever , an investigative newsroom. If you like this story, sign up for The Lever’s free newsletter .

It was early 2012 when doctors found a tumor in Kim Franzi’s brain.

It was a meningioma — a typically slow-growing, non-cancerous tumor that originates in a layer of tissue between the brain and skull. Franzi underwent a risky two-day brain surgery to remove the mass, which doctors warned could leave her paralyzed or prove fatal. The operation was successful, but more than 13 years later, she still suffers from side effects, including issues with her reflexes, teeth, hearing, and vision. Franzi considers herself one of the lucky ones.

“I was at work one day, the next day I was at the doctor, and my whole life changed,” said Franzi. “I just

See Full Page