Stand with Colleen in Her Fight for Healing and Hope – Again

After years of unexplained, debilitating symptoms, our dear friend Colleen was finally diagnosed in August 2024 with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) - a rare and complex condition that causes severe abdominal pain, worsened by even a few bites of food or light activity.

With the hope of reclaiming her life, Colleen traveled out of state to undergo high-risk vascular surgery in January 2025 at a specialty center in Cleveland, OH. While initial results were promising, her symptoms sadly returned. Recent tests confirm her MALS has recurred and requires revision surgery - devastating news.

Colleen’s journey has become more complex with an additional health challenge - a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Since March, Colleen has suffered excruciating positional headaches and other symptoms that confine her to lying flat nearly all day. Diagnosis and treatment for CSF leaks are highly specialized and often out-of-state with extraordinarily long wait times and unpredictable costs.

Colleen’s Life Today

As a wife and mother of two, Colleen forfeits everyday joys we take for granted. Her days are now filled with pain, exhaustion, and uncertainty. She can barely eat, move, or sit upright. Poor health has also halted Colleen’s professional pursuits. After decades as an elementary Montessori teacher, Colleen pursued a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of Rochester. Sadly, this dream is on hold.

Why We’re Asking Again

This journey is grueling - not only physically, but also financially. Because MALS is so rare, her surgery was not covered by insurance, resulting in overwhelming medical costs. Now, with additional challenges and the need for a MALS revision surgery and CSF leak treatment, the financial strain is greater than ever.

Colleen’s husband, Nat, took extended leave to care for her, but returned to work to maintain their health insurance and income. This leaves Colleen needing paid in-home care while navigating her ongoing medical battle.

Despite it all, Colleen keeps fighting. But right now, she needs help.

How You Can Help

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From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Colleen and Nat during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity means more than words can express.