Moya Moya Journey

Hi, I am Jo-Ann Sagbigsal, my sister, Maricel has been diagnosed with Moyamoya disease, it is a rare, chronic and progressive condition of the arteries in the brain, caused by narrowing of the blood vessels that leads to blockages and can eventually cause strokes and brain bleed. No cure for this disease but treatments are available and typically involves managing symptoms, preventing clot and surgery.

Commonly diagnosed in children 5-10 yrs old & adult after 4 decades of their life.

Maricel was referred by her Scripps Neurosurgeon and Neurologist to Dr. Steinberg at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto CA. Dr. Steinberg is a well known Neurosurgeon expert in Moya Moya Disease. He was described as a center of excellence.

Maricel is a wife, a mom of 2 little boys (2 years old Troy & 5 yrs old Lennox), a daughter and a great sis who spend most of her life helping out others when she’s able to. She had her first stroke few weeks after her 40th birthday in April, she’s getting severe headaches and dizziness on a daily basis but that never stop her from doing her job. She is a rapid response nurse in the hospital she works with, her neurosurgeon advised her to stop working since 1st week of June but she refused as she said her pain is still manageable & she believes working and keeping her brain busy helps her a lot managing the disease.

We would greatly appreciate any help to ease the family’s financial burden from medical bills down to travel expenses while recuperating with this journey. you can be a sunshine during this storm. If you intend to support directly you can send thru Zelle Maricel Valencia 858)208-7258.