Funding For Anna McKenzie’s Brain Surgery
As some of you know (but as most do not,) Anna has a condition called Chiari Malformation. Basically, the hole at the
base of her skull is slightly too large. Her brain has been slowly slipping out of her skull and crushing the top of her
spinal cord and part of her cerebellum. It has caused severe, chronic migraines, and progressive nerve damage. Her
motor functions on her right side have been partially impaired. Her appetite has decreased, and she is often dizzy,
nauseous, has difficulty swallowing, and is in pain throughout her body. She has begun to experience difficulty with
short term memory, and heart palpitations which cause occasional black outs.
Last year we believed her condition to be at 5 centimeters. This year her doctors found that her
brain is actually sitting 9 centimeters (3 inches) from it original placement. It is now at the point
where surgery is the only viable treatment path. If her condition was allowed to progress she
would eventually lose the ability to move her eyes, and possibly even become paralyzed as her
brain continued to crush her spine and cerebellum.
Her surgery is scheduled on the the 20th of January 2021. It has come up more quickly than we
had anticipated.
During the surgery the doctors will be removing the lower back portion of Anna's skull to relieve
pressure from her brain and spine. They will take tissue from her upper thigh and create a sling
with it to prevent her brain from slipping down further.
If all goes well, she'll spend a night in the ICU, and 2 or 3 days in a regular hospital room before
she is sent home to recover. Basic recovery time is expected to be 6 to 8 weeks, with full
recovery taking around 8 months. It is possible that the surgery will have to be repeated
several years down the road.
All funds raised in this campaign will go towards Anna's medical care and recovery. Each
donation is deeply appreciated.
We will be keeping you all updated as things progress.
Love,
Anna’s Tribe
Chiari Type One & Brain Surgery
