Freedom From Headache Fund

My name is Lauren and I am trying to raise funds to help support my journey toward the healing of my headache.  I have found a treatment that has been successful with my type of headache.  However, there are only a few people in the world who perform this surgery and it is not covered by insurance.  So I am humbly asking my friends and family for support.  Funds will be used to cover medical bills and travel expenses (as the surgery will take place in Dallas, TX).  If any funds are raised beyond my goal the money will go toward paying off medical bills accrued over the past five years and then donated to headache research. 

For those who do not know my story - here it is.  

On December 31, 2007, unsuspectingly, my life changed - cut in two - life before my headache and life with my headache.   

Let me introduce you to my headache, my constant companion for the past five years.  No, companion is too kind a word to give this headache "“ it has been more like a constant nemesis.  The name the doctors have given is "New Daily Persistent Headache."  Persistent. Continual. Unrelenting. Merciless. Unpitying. Severe. Cruel.  A headache that is always there, immune to medicines ranging from over the counter pain relievers to migraine medications to narcotics.  A headache that doesn't show up on MRI's, CT scans, spinal taps, blood tests, or neurological testing.  A headache untouched by infusions, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, or dietary restrictions. A headache that has taken away my ability to run and exercise, or be mentally and emotionally present with friends and family the way I used to be.  A headache that has taken over my life and, in my mind, defined me for five years. 

You might not look at me and know how much this headache has defined me.  I have refused to let it completely rule my life.  Tom, my husband, and I did not let it rule when we wanted to start a family. I have not let it rule when or where I could travel.  I have not let it rule if I am going to put a smile on my face.  I don't want to be seen as "Lauren with a headache." When, in fact, that is just how I see myself.  Not as Lauren a wife or mom, or daughter, sister, cousin or friend:Lauren a runner or actor, traveler or missionary.  I see myself as Lauren with a headache:Lauren who can't do what she used to do or be who she used to be. 

So that is why I am on this website, asking you to partner with me financially and more importantly through prayer as I continue to battle my foe.  I found a doctor in Dallas who is willing to do a "Trigger Point Release" surgery on me.  This is not a guaranteed fix.  However, through talking to the doctor and nurses, my husband, parents, trusted friends and a lot of prayer, I know this is something I need to do.  But I cannot do it alone. 

I will be blessed by any support, financially, through prayer and encouragement and honestly just by you reading my story.  So thank you.  Thank you for your love and friendship and for walking alongside me as I continue this journey toward healing. 

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Also here is a link to the website that explains more about the surgery.