I was in Cincinnati two years ago visiting cousins when I noticed a big change in my sweet, vivacious cousin Brianne.  She was experiencing severe neurological symptoms and I could just see the pain in her face.   Since then, Brianne has been diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), along with a host of other related conditions: Retroflexed Odontoid; Basiliar Invagination; Cranio-Cervical Instability; Mild Scoliosis; Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and a possible pending Diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

Chiari Malformation is a neurological disorder that causes a part of the brain to descend out of the skull and crowd the spinal cord. The pressure created causes many symptoms, some of which can be debilitating.  In Bree’s case, she will require brain surgery to correct it. 

After much research, Bree has consulted with a team of neurosurgeons in New York City who specialize in Chiari Malformation and its related conditions.   In February, Bree will travel back to New York to undergo three different surgeries:  a skull to C-3 fusion and cervical  laminectomy; decompression surgery wherein a small piece of skull is removed to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and an odontoidectomy which will relieve pressure on the brainstem. Bree and her husband will be in New York for about two weeks. 

Bree has been amazing throughout this entire process.  She has been diligent in searching for answers over the past two years.  She has faced this and continues to face this with nothing but a positive attitude. 

Bree has a wonderful husband, David; is a mother to three amazing boys; and has a very successful business as a hair stylist in her own salon.   Yet, her life, her family, and her career have all been affected by this illness.  Despite everything she is going through, her thoughts are with her kids, her husband, her job, logistics, cost, hotels, airfare, work, etc. 

Of course like any other illness there is the added stress of a financial burden.  In addition to medical bills, Bree and David will have travel expenses as well as contending with lost wages.  Throughout these next few months, Bree needs to be focused on her recovery.  Therefore, I created this page to help relieve the stress of a financial hardship.  I’m counting on my incredible family and friends along with Bree’s to help this beautiful family through this difficult time.  Please give what you can and share Bree’s story to not only help Bree, but to also raise awareness for Chiari Malformation. 

Thank you,

Margie