After several years of severe headaches, extreme dizziness, vision changes, high eye pressure, heart rate & blood pressure fluctuations, tremors, numbness, and hospital stays for neurological flares, Chelsea was recently diagnosed with Chiari Malformation (basically her brain is too big and is coming out the opening at the bottom of her skull into her spinal canal).

The fix? Brain surgery.

It includes:

● Posterior fossa decompression (removing a piece of her skull)

● C1 Laminectomy (removing part of the bony arch of the spine)

● Duraplasty (opening the outer layer that protects her brain)

● Cauterizing the cerebellar tonsils (the part of the brain responsible for motor coordination, balance, sensory processing, eye movements)

● Closing the dura with a bovine patch (cow heart)

● Replacing the part of the skull they removed with a titanium plate.

The catch? Chiari is rare.

Only a handful of neurosurgeons in the U.S. specialize in treating it when you have other comorbid conditions (she also has hEDS, scoliosis and tethered cord syndrome), which means we have to travel to Wisconsin for the surgery. On top of that, the hospital requires $85,000 upfront, thanks to a battle between the hospital and her insurance. Until the bill is paid in full, the surgery that is scheduled for December 29th can’t happen.

We are raising funds to cover the upfront cost of her much-needed surgery so she can finally get the care she needs. Every contribution goes directly toward her medical treatment. If we are unable to meet the full amount, the funds will instead be used to secure a higher-tier PPO health plan for 2026 that provides out-of-network coverage, ensuring access to the specialist. Any additional support will help with the surgery’s copays and deductible next year.

Other Ways You Can Help (if donating isn’t possible):

● Share this page - getting the word out is huge.

● Dog care while away - while we are in Wisconsin, Jolene needs a safe, loving place (she’s not a fan of the neighbor’s dog).

● Dog care when back home - after surgery, I will return to work and Chelsea will need help with dog walking in the mornings and early afternoon (ideally someone comfortable with dog-dog avoidance).

● Meals - either homemade or DoorDash gift cards help a ton.

● Help with Tristan - rides or walking him to/from school. She can’t drive for 3–4 weeks post-op, and he’s in a walker zone with no bus. I leave for work too early to take him.

● Company & Check-ins – She has to lay flat for at least 30 minutes every 2 hours and I go back to work once we get home so a text or visit could help keep her sane.

Thanks for reading, thanks for donating if you can, and thanks for sharing if you can’t.

-Seth Billing & Sarah Williams