My name is Shannon Cressel and I have started this GoFundMe to help support the Gordon family as their daughter Alyssa is in need of a second major surgery out of town. I first met Angie and Jason through FRMFL. They are very active with our youth in Warren County. They have volunteered with the Front Royal Midget Football league as a Coach, Team Mom and are board members. They also dedicate their time to the Warren County High School Athletic Association as board members and volunteers.

For background and timeline of events on Alyssa's medical issues, please use this link: Back Story

Alyssa is now 16 years old and has been battling medical issues since 2020. Alyssa's first surgery was in March of 2025 in Stamford CT for a rare condition called Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS). This surgery is scheduled for 8 December in Blacksburg VA for another rare condition called Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS). Alyssa was diagnosed on May 2, 2025 with this second rare condition.

SMAS means that Alyssa's 3rd and final portion of her duodenum is compressed between the abdominal aorta and the overlying superior mesenteric artery. The normal angle of the SMA artery is 38-65 degrees with a distance of 10-28mm. Alyssa's angle is 14 with a distance of .5cm!

The surgeon will derotate the small intestine that is under the SMA angle and place it all on the right side of her body. They create a small opening between the duodenum and the adjacent jejunum to keep the intestine from kinking and fixate it to keep it all from migrating back. To make room for it on the right side, they remove the appendix and place the ascending colon mostly to the left side and fixate it to the cecum. They remove the appendix as relocating it could cause further issues down the road should she later have appendicitis as it would be in the wrong place. Potentially causing a delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis.

Alyssa is a very active member of the Warren County High School Cheer team. She has cheered since the 6th grade while in Middle School. Joining WCHS Sideline and Competition teams as an 8th grade Middle School Student. She is now a Junior at WCHS and is on the Varsity sideline and Competition Teams as a flyer. She is learning new skills everyday despite her medical conditions and dealing with constant nausea, dizziness and pain.

Alyssa is also enrolled in a year long course this year at the Blueridge Technical Center called Nurse Aide. Provided Alyssa can meet her required hours and pass her state test in April 2025, Alyssa will be a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) as a 16 year old Junior in High School. She is also working towards an advanced diploma for graduation May 2027.

The Gordon’s will travel to Blackburg on December 7, 2025. Angie will remain in Blacksburg with Alyssa the entire time. Jason will travel home to take care of their son, X. Alyssa will be in the hospital for surgery for about 5-7 days. Angie will be allowed to stay in the hospital with her during her stay. However, they will require 3 nights of lodging leading up to surgery (Jason and X will come home the day after surgery) and about 5 days of lodging post-surgery until Alyssa is cleared to return home to Front Royal. Post op lodging will need to be free of stairs for Alyssa’s recovery, which limits their options. Though they are hoping to find something that also has a kitchen and laundry.

Upon their return home, Alyssa may not be cleared just yet to return to school. She will be on homebound/virtual learning during her surgery and recovery. After surgery, Alyssa very well may need physical therapy to help her strengthen her core.

As with her first surgery, Jason & Angie will be on FMLA (unpaid leave), during the time of Alyssa’s surgery and recovery (about 4 weeks). This will put a huge financial strain on the family.

I have started this fundraiser to help the Gordon family during this time. This trip, while very much needed for Alyssa, will put a big strain financially on the family. The family will need lodging expenses, food expenses, fuel expenses, travel expenses among their normal monthly household expenses during this time.

The Gordon’s are not a family to ask for help. They are the first to step up and volunteer or to help a family in need if it is within their means. They are always looking out for the youth in our community whether it means giving them a ride to/from practice, game or ensuring the child has eaten. They spend countless hours working with both the Front Royal Midget Football League and Warren County High school games, organizing team meals, coaching or being team mom. I am asking on their behalf for the community to help them in their time of need.

Thank you for taking the time to hear their story and share this page with your family and friends. Any funds raised with this fundraiser will be used for Alyssa’s surgery, medical bills and to keep their household running until they can return to work.