Thank you so much for everyone’s time to read, donate, share kind words, and prayers.. each day is up and down. It will be a tough recovery but I am try my best. Thank you, thank you.

Help Me Heal After Life-Altering cranial decompression surgery for Chiari Malformation I

Hi, my name is Derrian Zasada and I’m sharing something deeply personal in hopes that it reaches the hearts of people who can help.

Not long ago, I underwent brain surgery for a condition called Chiari Malformation Type I— a rare neurological disorder where part of my brain was being pushed down into my spinal canal.

For years, I lived with unexplained symptoms: debilitating headaches, nausea and vomiting, constant fatigue, vision loss, hearing loss, numbness and instability, dizziness, brain fog, weakness in my hands, and a strange, growing sense that something just wasn’t right in my body.

It turns out, my brain was literally herniating through the base of my skull, and doctors loved to dismiss me as a regular patient who unfortunately had “very bad migraines, allergies, and vertigo”

The surgery I had is called a Chiari decompression — it involved removing part of my skull and spine to relieve the pressure on my brain and restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

It was a terrifying decision, but without it, the risks included progressive nerve damage, loss of mobility, my daily pain that meds do not help, and consistently missing out on regular life activities because my condition is unpredictable. All therapy, massage, chiropractor, working out, and yoga induced neurological issues that would set me back for days along with uncontrollable nausea and vomiting. This condition is also not ideal to be a fit parent, as I was told I could not become a mother until receiving the benefits of this life altering surgery.

Now, I’m in recovery. Grateful to have made it through, but facing a long and painful road ahead. I can’t work right now. I can’t drive. As most of you know, I am self employed and I do not have back up funds or any disability benefits.

I’m limited in how much I can move, lift, or even sleep comfortably. Each day is a challenge, but I’m taking it one step at a time. This could last up to 6 months before I could perform a laborious job.

What’s been even harder is the financial burden this has placed on me. The costs of surgery, hospital stays, medications, imaging, follow-ups, and daily living expenses are overwhelming. I’m doing everything I can to stay strong, but I need help.

That’s why I created this page.

If you’re able to donate, your support will go directly toward helping me cover:

    •    Rent and basic living expenses while myself and partner are out of work

    •    Medical bills, prescriptions, and post-op care

    •    Transportation to doctor’s appointments and follow-ups

    •    The peace of mind that I can simply focus on healing

Even just sharing this page means the world to me.

This experience has been one of the most difficult chapters of my life, but also one that’s reminded me how much strength lives in vulnerability — and how powerful it can be to ask for help.

Thank you for reading my story, for caring, taking your time to understand, and for anything you’re able to give. Every little bit helps me breathe a little easier.

With lots of love, Derrian ❤️