Monica’s surgery

Hi, I am fundraising for Monica Eggins. Monica has recently been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation 1 a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal causing severe and chronic pain.

Some of Mon’s other symptoms have been sudden vision loss, vertigo, brain fog, cognitive impairment, joint pain, choking, migraines, overheating, blurred vision, neck tightness, numbness in fingers and toes, shortness of breath, tension headaches, pressure on brainstem, extremely low blood pressure, collapsing and fatigue.

It is recommended that Monica has decompression surgery ASAP where a bone graft will be taken from her skull and implanted to create a clear path for the brain fluid to flow as it is currently blocked. A shunt will also be placed into her brain. There is the potential for a second surgery depending on the success of the first surgery where they fuse her spine to her skull. Hopefully this is not necessary but could definitely be a possibility in the future. Her specialist recommended this surgery urgently but the waitlist for this surgery is 2 years. This diagnosis can not be cured without surgery and only managed with pain relief which does not completely work and causes severe side effects.

Mon is a wife and mother of 3 children she works full time as a dedicated teacher. Having this surgery would improve her quality of life.

The other option would be to go through the private system. This would mean Mon can have the surgery done in the next two months. But this comes at a price. Because of the complex surgery it will automatically need a prolonged hospital stay even if the surgery is successful. Most of Mon’s post op recovery will require an ICU admission which is why the cost is so high. Mon will also need 10-12 weeks recovery after her surgery which will also prove to be financially difficult for the family. Overall the surgery and hospital admission is going to cost $46,000.

Mon and Brian always go above and beyond for friends, family and even strangers. They never ask for help themselves and would never think to make a gofundme page. Any donations would be greatly appreciated, every little bit helps.