Dear friends and family,

I am reaching out today with a heavy heart as my cousin Catalina is facing a challenging medical situation.

Catalina is 12 years old and was diagnosed with Chiari 1 Malformation at age 11 after going to Shriners. Chiari 1 is where a tonsil of the Cerebellum hangs down into the spinal cord and can cause many unpleasant symptoms. Some of which are headaches, neck and back pain, among other things. This has been a life long battle that started with having to have physical therapy to learn to walk. After many attempts and stressing to doctors of her pain and everyday life struggles that something just wasn’t right, after 11 years an MRI was performed and she was diagnosed. She sees a brain surgeon at MUSC in Charleston about every 6 months sometimes sooner and is undergoing MRI’s and other testing. This upcoming trip she will be undergoing a fast paced MRI.

She does thankfully have medical insurance but travel expenses to and from and accommodation costs are proving to be a significant financial burden on the family.

I am starting this GoFundMe to help ease the financial strain and try to help cover these critical costs for them. Any amount you can contribute, even a small donation, will be greatly appreciated. We are seeking support for travel expenses as Catalina and the family will be making another trip back to MUSC and this stay she will have to be there 4-5 days. In hopes to raise enough to help for the next couple of trips as well.

Your kindness and generosity would mean the world to her and her parents and our family. We are grateful for your support. Please share this page with your friends and family and help us reach our goal.

Thank you for your compassion and support.

Sincerely,

Tabitha