Abby's Brain Decompression Surgery - Chiari

Abby is a champ and most people would ever know she was diagnosed a few years ago with Chiari Malformation. (the picture posted above is from her Craniosynistosis surgery when she was about 6 months old)

This is a condition where the brain stem/tonsils start pushing down into the spinal cord filling the space where Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) transfers between the brain and the spin. The blockage has been significant for Abby for a few years now and her Neurosurgeon has been watching her closely with yearly and even more frequent MRI's and CT scans.

Abby's Neurosurgeon suggested recently that she have a brain decompression surgery this year.

She has a ton of "minor" symptoms showing - and from a second opinion call with a specialist this last week - she also has the chance of having more major problems going forward that could require additional surgeries that could expand into fusing or removing bones where her skull and spine meet.

• Sleep study in 2019 to check on her Chiari Malformation

Our hope and the surgical team's hope is that this surgery will relieve symptoms and possibly - God willing - maybe stop her Chiari Malformation from progressing to having a more major surgery in the near future. (yes... brain surgery is major, but the other added parts that could come make things more complicated - requiring a trip out of town - possibly out of state to live for a time while she has a team of specialists prep and do a more major surgery) - We're praying that isn't in the future and that this surgery makes a mountain of difference for this beautiful little girl.

Needless to say - we're embarrassed to need to ask for financial support - but between COVID and weddings falling out and the second kiddo - we're realizing this surgery is going to be an added financial burden we aren't fully prepared for.

(Edit: we have insurance- our out of pocket max will be $10,000 and will be hit, then additional costs care/follow up into next year with more imaging - sorry for not noting originally)

We humbly thank you all for your support both financially and in prayer as well as in support we've already received emotionally and beyond.