<div><strong>Help Kimberly Heal &amp; Thrive: </strong><em>Support This Loving Mom Through Life-Saving Surgeries </em>
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<div>*<strong>Update</strong>. Kim and her husband Jason will be leaving for Hawaii Thursday, June 12. Kim’s first surgery will take place June 16 with a second surgery June 20. Please keep sharing and we will update as we are able to. 
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<div>On February 5, 2025, our dear friend underwent a <strong>critical and complex surgery</strong> to treat <strong>severe blockages</strong> in the major venous system <strong>that goes from her brain to her heart</strong>. These blockages have caused severe neurological symptoms, intense pain, severe swelling and inflammation, and put her at risk for more serious complications, <em>leaving her family facing an uncertain and overwhelming journey ahead.</em>
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<div>This was the first of a series of major and invasive surgeries aimed at restoring proper blood flow from Kim’s brain. Post surgically, <strong>there have been many hurdles and complexities that are much different than anything Kim or her family have had to deal with in the past</strong>.
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<div>Kim has a team of world-renowned team of doctors, and this is an intense, complicated venous/brain surgery that will come with inevitable complications and additional surgeries to follow.
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<div><strong>**Edit to add on 2/23/25:</strong> We now know, after her February 5th surgery, that surgeons were not able to accomplish all they wanted in the first surgery due to how complex things were once they got inside. There will be many months of healing, additional procedures and preparations in between this and future necessary surgeries. <strong><em>Please stay tuned to the Updates Section as we will post them as they come.</em></strong>
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<div>For years, Kim has lived with <strong>a 100% blocked right jugular vein</strong> in her neck. Now, <em>the left jugular is 80% blocked</em> with additional blockages upstream from her brain. This leads to severe and worsening symptoms including:
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<li>Lack of blood flow from her brain
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<li>Dangerous swelling of the head &amp; neck
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<li>Memory &amp; cognition challenges
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<li>Vision &amp; hearing issues
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<li>Generalized weakness
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<li>Constant head pressure and pain
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<li>Partial facial paralysis that comes and goes
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<li>Full disruption to the vagus nerve and limbic system, which regulates many organs and other systems in the body
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<div><em>Please see the </em><strong>Update Post<em> </em></strong>titled "<strong>Informative Medical Details</strong>" <strong><em>for in-depth understanding</em></strong><em> of what is medically taking place.</em>
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<div>The upcoming surgery will be performed by a leading specialist in jugular vein decompression, found after consulting numerous doctors and surgeons nationwide who could not perform this complex procedure. It will tackle several significant issues, including <strong>restoring blood flow from her brain</strong>, <strong>removing an enlarged lymph node</strong>, and <strong>clearing blockages within the venous system of her brain</strong>. Additionally, Kim may require <strong>surgical modification of bones</strong> in her neck.
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<div>This surgery is critical for Kim’s survival, but the medical costs—on top of ongoing treatment needs for both Kim and her children —<strong><em>are astronomical and overwhelming.</em></strong>
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<div><strong>Your donations will help:</strong>
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<li>Pay towards Kim’s <strong>out-of-pocket surgery costs</strong> and post-operative care
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<li><strong>Cover necessary treatments for her children</strong> to stabilize and maintain their health
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<li><strong>Relieve the financial burden</strong> that weighs heavily on this family so they can focus on healing
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<li><strong>Prepare financially</strong> for her second surgery and potentially additional surgeries
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<div>Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, every single donation makes an impact.
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<div><em>If you’re unable to contribute financially, you can still help by </em><strong><em>sharing Kim’s story, </em></strong><em>holding her family in love, and offering any other sort of physical support you can offer.</em>
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<div><strong>Your donation and support will make a world of difference as she embarks on this path to healing, it will support Kim and her family through this crucial time.</strong>
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/80770769_173818362914995_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><em>The Gifford Family: Cole, Giovanna, Jason, Kim &amp; Isabella</em>
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<div><strong>An Unimaginable Journey</strong>
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<div>After managing <strong>Chronic Lyme Disease</strong>—a condition that affects <strong>Kim and all three of her children</strong>—for over a decade, her health took a serious turn in 2022 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, likely the result of a combination of Lyme disease, mold exposure, and genetic factors. Following a <strong>mastectomy</strong>, she encountered a series of emergency surgeries and complications in the subsequent months, including:
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<li>Gallbladder removal and bile duct stenting
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<li>A hysterectomy for adenomyosis and endometriosis
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<li>Flares of her chronic Lyme disease
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<li>The development of several rare immune and inflammatory conditions, including Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
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<div>In preparation for her upcoming surgery, Kim was diagnosed with a rare and dangerous condition known as Hereditary Angioedema Type 3. She is currently taking medications that have serious side effects to try to help manage this condition. Additionally, she has begun taking a blood thinner to alleviate pressure in her head, but this has also introduced its own health challenges. <strong>Despite these obstacles, Kim is bravely pushing forward.</strong>
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<div>Chronic Lyme Disease is associated with a multitude of health issues that most people, including many doctors, do not fully understand. This surgery addresses problems that go far beyond what most can imagine, yet these issues are very real and quite frightening.
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<div><strong>Time For Healing and Recovery </strong>
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<div><em>A difficult endeavor, especially when focused on caring for others.</em>
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<div>Throughout the years, Kim has worked to manage her own health while being the primary caregiver for her children—<strong>Cole</strong>, <strong>Giovanna</strong>, and <strong>Isabella</strong>—who are also currently experiencing relapses of Lyme disease, and the development of additional severe health conditions. As of 2020, all three children had achieved remission or were close to it. Unfortunately, due to mold illness and COVID-19, they have all faced varying degrees of relapse.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/80770769_1738183522171598_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><em>Kim with her children: Isabella, Giovanna, &amp; Cole</em>
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<div>Kim's resilience and determination to keep going for her family, despite her own immense physical and emotional challenges, is remarkable.<strong><em> She wouldn't have it any other way; she would do anything for them.</em></strong>
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<div>During her recovery from this surgery, Kim’s greatest concern is ensuring her children maintain their health. They have access to wonderful practitioners, but without Kim being able to manage their care personally, the cost will be substantial. <strong>To help ease Kim’s worries, this fundraiser will also contribute to covering her children’s healthcare expenses.</strong>
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<div><strong>She needs</strong>, <em>and deserves</em>, to be relieved of this worry to aid her recovery.
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<div><strong>﻿Your support can help ease the financial burden on the entire family and will help Kim to focus on healing.</strong>
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<div><strong>Post-Surgical Outlook</strong>
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<div>This surgery is a critical step in her healing journey. She will stay in the hospital for at least three days, with a lengthy and challenging recovery ahead. Major side effects will most likely <strong>include loss of speech</strong>, <strong>facial paralysis</strong>, <strong>cognition &amp; mood issues,</strong> <strong>difficulty swallowing</strong>, and <strong>severe inflammation</strong> as her body adjusts.
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<div>A second surgery is planned 8–12 weeks later. <strong>Even with insurance, the Giffords face extraordinary out-of-pocket costs for the first surgery alone. </strong>The financial impact is significant, and <strong>the family no longer has the resources to navigate this alone.</strong>
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<div>Donations will be used to cover costs for the current and upcoming surgeries. The initial funding goal <strong>is not sufficient</strong> to cover all expenses, so <strong>we hope to raise more than that amount.</strong>
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<div><strong>Additional Ways To Help</strong>
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<div>Our goal is to ease the financial burden of medical appointments, treatments, and surgeries, while also bringing moments of joy to Kim, Jason, Cole, Gigi, and Bella.
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<div>In addition to raising funds, we’ve set up an email and Google Voice number to collect gift cards for necessary supplements, food, and supplies. Every contribution helps support the Giffords in their time of need.
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<div><strong>Helpful GIFT CARDS</strong>
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<li><strong>Whole Foods </strong>or <strong>Natural Grocers</strong>: Essential for the family’s strict diet due to Celiac Disease and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.
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<li><strong>Amazon</strong>: Used to purchase many of the kids' supplements and herbs.
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<li><strong>DoorDash</strong>: Provides meals for the unique dietary needs of the family during hospitalization and post-operatively.
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<div><a href="https://linktr.ee/giffordfamilyhope" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>LinkTree</strong></a> - click here for more information and additional ways to assist.
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<div><strong>Google Voice</strong> - <strong>720.491.1202</strong> set up for gift cards to be sent to the family with ease. We ask that you use this only for gift cards or text messages if needed.
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<div><strong>The Hope of Healing</strong>
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<div>Kim has always been a selfless helper, using her extensive medical knowledge to support others in their times of need. After years of caring for her family through unimaginable challenges, <strong>her deepest hope is to find joy, peace, and ease in their lives.</strong>
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<div>Kim is determined to reclaim her health and return to her studies to become a functional medicine practitioner. <strong>She dreams of using her knowledge to help others while also contributing financially to her household</strong>—something her husband, Jason, has been handling alone for far too long. Kim's dedication to helping others has impacted many, and now it's time for us to support her in this journey
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<div><strong>Follow The Gifford Family’s Personal Journey</strong>
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<div>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560423329108&amp;mibextid=wwXIfr&amp;mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helpers For Hope &amp; Healing</a>
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<div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/helpersandhope/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">helpersandhope</a>
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<div>Blog: <a href="https://medicaljourneyhopeliveshere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicaljourneyhopeliveshere.blogspot.com</a>
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<div><strong>In Closing, An Acknowledgement </strong>
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<div><em>“When I was a boy and I would see scary things … my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”</em> – Mr. Rogers
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<div>Kim Gifford has always been a helper. <em>Everyone who knows her likely has a story about how she has supported them</em>—whether by solving a physical health problem, offering emotional support, or being there for their mental well-being. <strong>Kim is always present</strong>, <em>especially when things get scary.</em>
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<div>For over a decade, Kim has dedicated her life to caring for her family after she and her three children were diagnosed with chronic neurological Lyme disease and Bartonella, a battle that has irrevocably changed their lives.
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<div>Despite her own worsening health, Kim has remained a source of strength and compassion, tirelessly caring for her children and supporting her family, friends, community, and anyone in need. <strong><em>She is a steadfast friend and unwavering helper to all she meets.</em></strong>
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<div>But now, <strong>KIM NEEDS US</strong>. It is time to be <strong>HER</strong> helpers.
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<div><strong>Thank you for your donations and support!</strong>
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<div><strong><em>With love and gratitude</em>,</strong>
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<div>Stacia, Sheila, Larissa, Megan &amp; Michelle
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<div><em>We are some of Kim's closest friends, and we’ve come together to create this GoFundMe with the heartfelt hope of supporting her during this challenging time. Each of us has personally experienced Kim’s unwavering kindness and support, and we deeply understand the battles she and her family face daily because we each experience some form of these diseases ourselves. We love her so much, and it is our honor to give back to someone who has given so much to all of us. We also hope it allows Kim, Jason, Cole, Gigi &amp; Bella, as well as her family back home, to concentrate on Kim’s recovery.</em>
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/80770769_1738183739474955_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><em>Kim Gifford, photoshoot to raise awareness for the link between Breast Cancer &amp; Lyme Disease, and to honor those who have gone through Flat-Closure Mastectomies. Photo Credit: Meg Palmer</em>
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<div><strong>MORE INFORMATION</strong>
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<div>If you’d like to learn more about the health challenges Kim and her children face, here is a detailed list. <strong>We deeply appreciate your willingness to understand, support, and educate yourself about what they endure every day. </strong><em>Through greater awareness, we hope more people will come to recognize the profound and often misunderstood effects of Chronic Lyme Disease.</em>
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<li><a href="https://www.lymedisease.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chronic Lyme Disease</a>
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<li>More Lyme Info: <a href="https://lymewarrior.us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyme Warrior</a>, About <a href="https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/understanding-bartonella" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bartonella</a>
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<li><a href="https://tmsforacure.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mast Cell Activation Syndrome</a> (MCAS) – an immune system disorder causing complicated inflammation in all organ systems with severe complications
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<li><a href="https://www.vc4hw.com/chronic-inflammatory-response-syndrome-cirs.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIRS</a> (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) due to mold exposure
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<li><a href="https://www.lymedisease.org/sapi-lyme-disease-cancer-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breast cancer</a>
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<li>Lymphedema – chronic swelling caused by poor lymphatic drainage
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<li><a href="https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/i/pseudotumor-cerebri.html#:~:text=Idiopathic%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520intracranial%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520hypertension%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520(IIH)%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520is,called%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520cerebrospinal%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520fluid%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520or%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520CSF" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intracranial Hypertension</a> (elevated brain pressure) caused by the blockages
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<li><a href="https://realtimelab.com/symptoms-of-mold-and-mycotoxins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mycotoxin illness</a> from mold exposure
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<li><a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adenomyosis#:~:text=They%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520cause%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520very%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520similar%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520symptoms,tissue%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520grows%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520outside%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520the%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520uterus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adenomyosis</a> and endometriosis
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<li><a href="https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hereditary-angioedema/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hereditary Angioedema</a> Type 3 (HAE III) – a rare and life-threatening immune condition
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<li>Complete occlusion (100% blockage) of the right internal jugular vein, one of the "great vessels" of the body, bringing blood flow out of the brain to the heart
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<li>Severe occlusion (80%) of the left internal jugular vein
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<li>Venous congestion in the brain - can cause various symptoms, including swelling, blood pooling, and toxicity due to inadequate drainage
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<li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0303846717301178" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eagle’s Syndrome</a> - a condition resulting in bony hardening of the styloid and why Kim may need modifications to her neck bones during surgery
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Support family as loving Mom undergoes Venous-Brain Surgery

Still $3,935 to go. Help us build momentum.