LIFE CHANGING BRAIN SURGERY

Christine Joanne Tatom was born with a very rare form of epilepsy.  Hypothalamic Hamartomas (HH), which is a malformation of extra tissue in the center of her brain. Doctors attempts to counteract the symptoms with pharmaceutical therapy generally had little to no effect, except for multiple negative side effects. Christine and her family were so lost and confused that her mom began doing research of her own. Finding a lot of new research on HH from Barrow Neurological Institute of Arizona. Along with a new technology that was much less invasive called Guided Stereotactic Laser Therma- ablation (SLTA). This procedure is proving 85% successful that the patient will not have another seizure. After Christine's family presented the information to the head neurosurgeon at OHSU they came to the conclusion that that surgery may be the only option for Christine to ever have anything close to a life. Christine was scheduled for surgery in Arizona when insurance denied it.  We heard from Oregon Health and Science University that they would soon have the technology available. Christine again was scheduled for surgery to be denied yet again. At this time the neurosurgeon sent a very long appeal letter on Christine's behalf for it to be denied again. The insurance denied due to the technology being too new and experimental. However, they would allow for a complete removal of the tissue. which is highly more invasive and not possible for the location of the lesion. We as family and friends of Christine are not willing to give up fighting for this beautiful young lady a chance at any kind of a normal adult life. What it would mean to everyone to free of her having 5 - 20 seizures a day. Please help Christine have the freedom she truly deserves. All money raised will be used for the procedure, hospital stay, and travel expenses. Every bit of money raised through this effort will vastly improve her life and finally give her the chance to become the woman she truly deserves to be.  Any donations will be greatly appreciated. We will keep you posted every step of the way!! Love you & Thank you so much! God bless!