Hello everyone!

My name is Anna Sell and I was recently diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. As many of you know, 2025 has been a beating and the past month and a half hasn’t been any different.

On November 1, 2025, I had a sudden onset of severe symptoms including sudden severe hearing loss, constant tinnitus, vertigo, severe migraines, back pain, insane brain fog, and so much more. This led me to schedule a doctor's appointment with my PCP, who thought I should see an ENT. At my ENT appointment, they requested I have a brain MRI to rule out brain tumors. Thankfully, we found out I do not have a tumor. Unfortunately, we found out I was born with something called Chiari Malformation. I guess I like to stress my brain out too much because it is literally using my spinal column to escape my skull! Honestly, I felt so much relief that I finally had an answer. After doing hours and hours of research, I realized many symptoms I have been experiencing my entire life. Severe migraines, balance issues, trouble focusing my eyes, severe upper back and neck pain—these are all things I thought were my “normal.” After consulting with a neurosurgeon, I found out that there are two treatments for Chiari: 1. Deal with it. 2. Surgery to remove part of my skull and C1 vertebrae in order to decompress my brain and hopefully alleviate symptoms. After talking with Logan, my family, doctors, and a counselor, I decided that my best option is to go forward with surgery.

On January 14th, I will be having decompression surgery to hopefully restore my life to how it was before! I will be in the hospital for a few days and then will be out of work for 4 weeks. Due to the nature of my Special Education Classroom, I will be taking extra precautions to keep myself safe after having this surgery. I have decided to start this GoFundMe to help pay for my medical bills and help with our everyday bills while I will be out of work.

What is Chiari Malformation?

Chiari malformation is a structural defect where brain tissue, usually the cerebellum, extends into the spinal canal through an opening at the skull's base, blocking spinal fluid flow and causing pressure on the brain and spinal cord.

Thank you to everyone who has donated.