Neil is getting brain surgery

Meet Neil; Neil is a charming 6 year old little man in grade 2, who attends Canadian Martyrs Catholic School in St Catharines. He has recently been diagnosed with Chiari malfunction. What does that mean? Chiari malformation (kee-AH-ree mal-for-MAY-shun) is a condition in which brain tissue extends into your spinal canal. It occurs when part of your skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on your brain and forcing it downward. In layman's terms, Neil's brain is filling out if his skull . This causes pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem that may affect functions controlled by these areas and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—the clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. The CSF also circulates nutrients and chemicals filtered from the blood and removes waste products from the brain. For several years, Neil's parents, Heather and Joe, have pushed the school and their doctors to find a cause for Neils inhibited motor development and speech development. Recently, they were able to get Neil to a neurologist who began several tests, including an MRI, which concluded that Neil had Chiari malfunction. Chiari malformation type I develops as the skull and brain are growing. As a result, signs and symptoms may not occur until late childhood or adulthood. How will Neil be treated? Currently, Neil is waiting for a date for brain surgery. It is expected that the surgery will be in the month of December, which will also be when Neil turn 7. Neil will either be in hospital for him birthday or recovering. This means Christmas at the Cunningham house will be altered tremendously. The goals of surgery are to: Relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord Re-establish normal fluid circulation through and around the area In many cases, surgery is the only treatment available to ease symptoms or halt the progression of damage to the central nervous system. Surgery can improve or stabilize symptoms in most individuals. More than one surgery may be needed to treat the condition. The most common surgery to treat Chiari malformation is posterior fossa decompression. It creates more space for the cerebellum and relieves pressure on the spinal cord. The surgery involves making an incision at the back of the head and removing a small portion of the bone at the bottom of the skull (craniectomy). The surgeon may make an incision in the dura, the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord; If the brain and spinal cord area is crowded, the surgeon may use a procedure called electrocautery to remove the cerebellar tonsils, allowing for more free space. The final step is to sew a dura patch to expand the space around the tonsils, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants. This patch can be made of artificial material or tissue harvested from another part of an individual’s body. According to Children's Hospital in Boston, which specializes in the treatment of Chiari malformations, surgery virtually eliminates symptoms in 50% of pediatric cases. Surgery substantially reduces symptoms in another 45% of cases. Symptoms are stabilized in the remaining 5%. Neil will be having his brain surgery done at McMaster Sick Kids hospital. This will require many pre-op and post -op visits, These visits are expensive for Heather and Joe, with cost of gas, lodging, parking, food etc. All of the while taking care of their house hold, keeping Neil's spirits high and remembering to keep Neil's 10 year old sister Olivia happy and involved. Recovered could be anywhere from a couple weeks to months or even years if more surgeries are required. These kind, amazing people would never ask for help; although they desperately needs it. Already Heather has had to take may days off work. Once Neil has his surgery, Heather could be off work for months! They need our help! Please help me in supporting a wonderful local family in their time of need. Every little bit helps. Even donations of prepared meals, Christmas gifts for the kids would bring join into their lives.  This is an image of Neil's brain. You will more where his brain is extending down into the spinal area.