My daughter, Cianni, has been hospitalized since February 18, 2026, after suddenly becoming unable to keep down even a sip of water. The past several weeks have been a whirlwind of tests—bloodwork, ultrasounds, CT scans, X-rays, and an endoscopy with biopsies—all in search of answers. Despite every effort, the results kept coming back remarkable, leaving us with no explanation for her suffering. During this time, Cianni grew weaker, unable to eat or drink, and was eventually put on a feeding tube to provide the nutrients her body desperately needed.

After 15 days in the hospital, we finally received a diagnosis: Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS). This rare condition was discovered through a specialized Doppler Ultrasound, revealing that her celiac artery was being compressed. The only real solution is surgery, but now we are caught in a frustrating waiting game as doctors debate the next steps. Despite the clear diagnosis, they want more tests before proceeding, leaving Cianni in pain and unable to return to her normal life. She is a college freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, forced to withdraw from classes she still has to pay for, and her dream of pursuing a Bio Pre-Med degree is on hold.

This journey has been incredibly hard on our family, both emotionally and financially. I have not been able to work for nearly three weeks so I can stay by Cianni’s side, and the medical bills, travel expenses, and tuition costs are piling up. We are reaching out for help to get Cianni the care she needs, to ease the financial burden, and to give her the chance to get back to her studies and her life. Any support you can offer means the world to us. Thank you for standing with us and helping Cianni on her road to recovery.