Support Julie's Journey to Pain-Free Living

Hi, I'm Julie, and I recently learned that I need brain surgery.

Unexplained symptoms led to an MRI, which led to another MRI, resulting in my diagnosis: Chiari 1 Malformation. This basically means the "appendix" of my brain (aka cerebellar tonsils) has herniated into the funnel that allows CSF (very important) to flow freely, causing painful and debilitating symptoms such as : nerve pain & damage, balance issues, speech issues, postural hypotension, chronic headaches, and neck pain. I recently had a week long "flare up" in which I could barely use my left arm, and when I did use it I was in agony. That's been the worst of it so far, knock on wood, but every day I experience at least one symptom and every day I am in pain. My surgeon is convinced it will only get worse with time. My dilemma: surgery is expensive (and I'm moving in a month) and even w/ insurance, I'm looking at about $6k PLUS the loss of income for the time I'll be recovering (should only be 2 weeks until I can work again). Short term disability is an option, but only as soon as 11/2025. My surgeon strongly advised against waiting.

So that's where you come in. By donating, you’re helping me get closer to having surgery that'll allow me to live pain free with no risk of permanent damage to my nerves! Yay!

If you’re able to donate, even a tiny amount, I will be so very grateful. If you can't donate, please consider sharing this to spread the message.

Thanks for reading <3