Justin & Ritzelda Anderson
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Justin Needs Brain Surgery a Second Time
My name is Ritzelda (Ritzy) Anderson, and I’m the single mom of two sons, Justin, 18 and Jeremy, 16. Justin has a serious condition involving his brain and spinal cord, and I’m reaching out to the wonderful people who read this for help while he recovers from the surgery and with all the costs that come with his care.
Two years ago, when Justin was 16, he started having severe headaches and had pain and weakness on his right side. After many tests, his doctors told us he had chiari malformation, a condition in which part of the cerebellum (back part of the brain) extends through an abnormal opening in the back of the skull. His brain is being pushed into his spinal canal, interfering with the flow of the fluid that protects the brain and spine. The build-up of spinal fluid blocks the signals that are transmitted from the brain to the body. This could cause serious nerve damage and muscle damage.
Chiari Malformation: These two words I’d never heard of would change our lives. Justin needed surgery to stop the progression of change in the position of his brain and in his spinal canal and ease the pressure and his symptoms. My baby’s skull would be cut open and his recovery would take months! But he was brave – much braver than I was. After 3 months he was able to return to school for a couple of hours a day, but he was still experiencing headaches.
About 3 months ago, Justin’s symptoms returned and he again lost all feeling in his right side. His doctors at Gillette Children’s Hospital told us he must have a second surgery, which he had on December 3, and he’ll be hospitalized for at least a week. When Justin is release he will need care 24/7, and I will be his caretaker. After his first surgery he was unable to feed himself, bathe, or even walk without help. He will have to wear a “halo brace” (held in place with screws into his skull) to keep his head, neck and spine from moving while he heals. I have taken a leave from my job and will have no income until Justin recovers. I work nights and do not make much money, but it provides for us, and now I will have nothing.
It’s embarrassing to ask help for money, but I desperately need help
Financially, I don’t have enough money to support our needs (medical expenses, food, utility Bills & Mortgage). Right now, I have to take care of my son. Please help... Anything $ amount counts
Justin is such a good son. He is kind, helpful, respectful and smart. His worsening condition made him drop his studies, but we hope we’ll be back to college next year. If you can help us, Justin and I will be very, very grateful. I will include prayers for you when I pray for Justin’s recovery. We are praying that this second surgery will be successful and that he won’t have any permanent damage. And I will post updates of his progress, which will be due greatly to your support! Thank you so much!
Ritzelda and Justin
My name is Ritzelda (Ritzy) Anderson, and I’m the single mom of two sons, Justin, 18 and Jeremy, 16. Justin has a serious condition involving his brain and spinal cord, and I’m reaching out to the wonderful people who read this for help while he recovers from the surgery and with all the costs that come with his care.
Two years ago, when Justin was 16, he started having severe headaches and had pain and weakness on his right side. After many tests, his doctors told us he had chiari malformation, a condition in which part of the cerebellum (back part of the brain) extends through an abnormal opening in the back of the skull. His brain is being pushed into his spinal canal, interfering with the flow of the fluid that protects the brain and spine. The build-up of spinal fluid blocks the signals that are transmitted from the brain to the body. This could cause serious nerve damage and muscle damage.
Chiari Malformation: These two words I’d never heard of would change our lives. Justin needed surgery to stop the progression of change in the position of his brain and in his spinal canal and ease the pressure and his symptoms. My baby’s skull would be cut open and his recovery would take months! But he was brave – much braver than I was. After 3 months he was able to return to school for a couple of hours a day, but he was still experiencing headaches.
About 3 months ago, Justin’s symptoms returned and he again lost all feeling in his right side. His doctors at Gillette Children’s Hospital told us he must have a second surgery, which he had on December 3, and he’ll be hospitalized for at least a week. When Justin is release he will need care 24/7, and I will be his caretaker. After his first surgery he was unable to feed himself, bathe, or even walk without help. He will have to wear a “halo brace” (held in place with screws into his skull) to keep his head, neck and spine from moving while he heals. I have taken a leave from my job and will have no income until Justin recovers. I work nights and do not make much money, but it provides for us, and now I will have nothing.
It’s embarrassing to ask help for money, but I desperately need help
Financially, I don’t have enough money to support our needs (medical expenses, food, utility Bills & Mortgage). Right now, I have to take care of my son. Please help... Anything $ amount counts
Justin is such a good son. He is kind, helpful, respectful and smart. His worsening condition made him drop his studies, but we hope we’ll be back to college next year. If you can help us, Justin and I will be very, very grateful. I will include prayers for you when I pray for Justin’s recovery. We are praying that this second surgery will be successful and that he won’t have any permanent damage. And I will post updates of his progress, which will be due greatly to your support! Thank you so much!
Ritzelda and Justin
Organizer
Ritzelda Ritzy Fulcher
Organizer
Lino Lakes, MN