My six year old neice, Briar, has recently been diagnosed with a tethered spinal cord. She will have to undergo surgery on November 6th at Golisano Childrens Hospital. My sister, Heather Scrano, will have to take off six weeks of work (unpaid) while Briar recovers at home from the surgery. Briar's dad, Donald Prine, will also take as much time as he can but will need to continue to work to support their family (especially with Christmas just around the corner). I hope that as a community, all of their friends and family can come together to ease their financial burden and allow them to focus on Briar's recovery. Below is a more detailed explanation of how Briar's diagnosis was made and what the surgery will entail. Please share this page if you are not in a place to donate today. Every little bit helps. Please also note GoFundMe's take a portion of all donations.

Briar began experiencing unusual symptoms last January while learning to ski. With her next growth spurt, she started having additional symptoms and increased pain. The pain soon became chronic and we struggled to understand how to help her. Things like walking through the grocery store became too painful and taxing to her little body. It wasn't until her physical therapist recommended an MRI that we discovered she had what is called a fatty filum terminale. This is one variation of tethered cord.

A tethered spinal cord means that her spinal cord, which should move freely within the vertebrae, is tethered in place. This is a genetic neurological defect that begins in utero. As Briar grows, her spinal cord is being stretched and pulled, causing chronic pain. She is now under the care of a neurosurgeon who will perform a laminectomy to correct to issue.

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the vertebrae called the lamina to gain access to her spinal cord and sever the attachment by clipping the fatty filum terminal at the base of her spinal cord. In Briar's case this will allow her spinal cord to be freed from the tether, giving it the space it needs to move normally and alleviate the tension causing her pain.

Please help Briar and her family during this difficult time.