Donation protected
My name is Beth. I have wanted to do this for my very close friend of 17 years, Brittin for several weeks. She wasn’t on board with the idea until now. She has no other choice. I have asked her to tell her story so there is clear understanding.
My name is Brittin Gibbs. I was hospitalized June 26th for what appeared to be a stroke until further testing revealed the true diagnosis. I have been poked, prodded, tested and poked again numerous times. I have Chiari Malformation of the Brain. I had never heard of it either until now. This is a birth defect never detected until symptoms became severe enough to expose the problems in my head. My brain is completely covering my spinal canal. All fluid in your head (called CSF) trickles down your spinal canal and disburses to the rest of your body in a healthy head. I have no movement of fluid down my spine because of the placement of my brain. The damage that has been done to My cerebellum cannot be reversed, however, I am scheduled for an extensive brain surgery on Friday August 9th in which I am considering postponing though I know my neurosurgeon strongly advises against any procrastination. Because test revealed I have no CSF (spinal fluid) traveling down my spine. Without surgery I will quickly develop syrinx in my spine due to lack of fluid. I need a portion of my skull removed, the “tonsils” of my brain taken off and room made in my head. I currently experience a number of symptoms that are challenging. Without this surgery, and syrinx begin to develop the damage to my spine and side effects from the damage are scary to say at the least. This surgery will prevent the syrinx. Again, the prior damage caused cannot be corrected. This will slow progression of the Chiari and possibly relieve some symptoms.
Here’s the cold, hard truth. I am a mother before I am anything thing else in this world. We live in a 2 income household. The medical bills that have already started flooding me are overwhelming. And we haven’t even gotten to surgery, ICU stay, and after care. We simply can’t make it with just our normal household bills if I do not work. My recovery time is an estimated 12 plus weeks. Over 3 months with no income. This is one of the hardest things I have had to type. I have always helped. Asking for help isn’t easy for me. I do have health insurance but I still have patient portions of 20% plus cost of medication. I am already up to well over $8000.00 plus a hospital stay that isn’t covered because it was out of network. My husbands FMLA is approved but any days he misses work are not paid. I have exhausted every option with belief that a way would be made. Tried short term disability, I have all forms for financial aid, I have attempted to get a personal loan to cover my loss of income and been denied. Without security of knowing my family is taken care of, postponing is my only option. This is my last resort. Prayers above all else are more than appreciated and any help for my family I am grateful for more than anyone knows.
My name is Brittin Gibbs. I was hospitalized June 26th for what appeared to be a stroke until further testing revealed the true diagnosis. I have been poked, prodded, tested and poked again numerous times. I have Chiari Malformation of the Brain. I had never heard of it either until now. This is a birth defect never detected until symptoms became severe enough to expose the problems in my head. My brain is completely covering my spinal canal. All fluid in your head (called CSF) trickles down your spinal canal and disburses to the rest of your body in a healthy head. I have no movement of fluid down my spine because of the placement of my brain. The damage that has been done to My cerebellum cannot be reversed, however, I am scheduled for an extensive brain surgery on Friday August 9th in which I am considering postponing though I know my neurosurgeon strongly advises against any procrastination. Because test revealed I have no CSF (spinal fluid) traveling down my spine. Without surgery I will quickly develop syrinx in my spine due to lack of fluid. I need a portion of my skull removed, the “tonsils” of my brain taken off and room made in my head. I currently experience a number of symptoms that are challenging. Without this surgery, and syrinx begin to develop the damage to my spine and side effects from the damage are scary to say at the least. This surgery will prevent the syrinx. Again, the prior damage caused cannot be corrected. This will slow progression of the Chiari and possibly relieve some symptoms.
Here’s the cold, hard truth. I am a mother before I am anything thing else in this world. We live in a 2 income household. The medical bills that have already started flooding me are overwhelming. And we haven’t even gotten to surgery, ICU stay, and after care. We simply can’t make it with just our normal household bills if I do not work. My recovery time is an estimated 12 plus weeks. Over 3 months with no income. This is one of the hardest things I have had to type. I have always helped. Asking for help isn’t easy for me. I do have health insurance but I still have patient portions of 20% plus cost of medication. I am already up to well over $8000.00 plus a hospital stay that isn’t covered because it was out of network. My husbands FMLA is approved but any days he misses work are not paid. I have exhausted every option with belief that a way would be made. Tried short term disability, I have all forms for financial aid, I have attempted to get a personal loan to cover my loss of income and been denied. Without security of knowing my family is taken care of, postponing is my only option. This is my last resort. Prayers above all else are more than appreciated and any help for my family I am grateful for more than anyone knows.
Organizer and beneficiary
Beth Strausberger
Organizer
Dahlonega, GA
Brittin Gibbs
Beneficiary