Amber Abbe's Brain Surgery Expenses

My name is Marilyn Fitch and I'm raising money for my sister, Amber Abbe.

Amber is 22 years old and is a recent college graduate from UNT where she obtained her Bachelors degree in Behavior Analysis in December 2015.

Unfortunately, she recently discovered that she is in need of brain surgery.  She was born with a condition called Chiari Malformation that has caused full-body pain and neurological symptoms since childhood, though a diagnosis was not found until shortly after she graduated high school. Her symptoms have worsened and updated test results show that the addition of something called Syringomyelia is now present along with the Chiari Malformation. The new findings show that her condition has seriously progressed and will continue to weaken her central nervous system if not treated.

Amber is a behavior therapist who is passionate about providing care to youth and adults with developmental disabilities such as Autism along with various mental health diagnoses. Amber says that she is most looking forward to having this surgery so that she can have the majority of her medical issues behind her so that she can give her all to the children and adults she works with and to be able to further her education in graduate school.  Our family is hoping this procedure will be the opportunity we've been waiting for to enhance her quality of life and allow her to participate in the things she loves pain-free.

In addition to the cost of the procedure and hospital stay, the projected 4+ weeks that Amber will be out of work will also present a substantial financial hurdle. Any and every contribution, regardless of size would be a tremendous help during this time and would be greatly appreciated.

Our family is obviously extremely worried about this surgery as it is very serious but we are also hopeful that God will watch over her and protect her and ultimately cure her. In addition to donations, we are requesting that you lift Amber and our entire family up in prayer as there is a month of waiting and worrying until her surgery.

We are so grateful to have so many amazing friends and family and we would be so thankful for anything that you could do. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my sister's story.