Many of you have asked how you can help, here is Aubrie's story with Chiari. 

Back in November 2021, Aubrie had a severe migraine, dizzy, lights were bothering her etc. All were signs of a concussion so I took her to the pediatrician. He stated that she didn't have a concussion and needed to see the neurologist for her constant migraines that she's had for years.

 

Cincinnati children's didn't have an opening until January. I asked to be put on the cancelation list. December 6th I got a call from the hospital stating that they could see her the next day. I dropped everything to make sure she could go to the appointment. On December 7th, the neurologist really listened to everything Aubrie had to say. She ordered an MRI "just in case" since she's had back and had injuries in the past.

 

The next day Aubrie had her MRI. This ended at 345 and at 353, we had a call from her neurologist. I thought she was calling about her blood work, although, she was calling to talk about her MRI. She was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 1. In a nut shell, her skull never completely formed as a baby and her cerebellum has no where to go so it's growing down her spine. She currently has a 23mm herniation going past her c2 in her spine.

 

In order to reduce the symptoms that she has, they need to do a decompression surgery. The neurosurgeon will shave part of the c1 to allow for airflow. The surgeon will monitor the airflow. If there isn't sufficient airflow, which is expected, he will have to cut the dura which covers the cerebellum. He will have to go shrink the brain tonsils to allow for more airflow.

 

Since her diagnoses, she's had to do more testing along the way. She's been also diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome and hypermobility. One of the studies that they had to do is a sleep study. The results show that she has severe central sleep apnea, which was not a surprise due to her snoring and breathing pauses at night. What was concerning was that she has a low oxygen level when she sleeps (in the 70s). Due to this result, her surgery was moved up a month.

 

Aubrie is in good spirits and is ready for surgery. Aubrie knows that the migraines that she has that she has believed to be "normal", will go away. Everything everyday hurts her head. Sneezing, laughing, going to the bathroom. Aubrie got to the point where she doesn't want to cheer anymore. If anyone knows Aubrie, you know that she eats, sleeps and breathes cheerleading. It's been difficult watching her be in so much pain while participating in the sport that she loves. The migraines may not go away completely in the beginning, but relief is on the horizon.

 

The decompression surgery ranges from 100k to 200k if not more. Her insurance has a maximum out of pocket of $8,000. As a single mom working 2 jobs, you can imagine the financial hardship. If you could donate any amount to help, it would be greatly appreciated!!