With the holiday season upon us, we often think of families which endure extreme hardships. This Christmas, a Sheridan WY family needs your prayers and support for and untimely and severe medical emergency. 2019 has been a difficult year for the Gilmore family. January started out with a diagnosis of pneumonia  for their son Aiden who was then hospitalize. Mom Jessica took time off work to care for him as Dad Andrew took time off work to care for the girls, Madi and Gracelynn. When Andrew returned to work in Douglas at the police academy, he was injured on the job requiring corrective surgery to his left ankle. Shortly after surgery he developed blood clots in the left leg and missed 6 weeks of work.

  In March, Jessica went to the Dr. for chronic headaches which she has suffered from for most of her life. These headaches increased in severity in the past 2 years. Her doctor ordered an MRI which revealed that Jessica suffered from a severe condition called Chiari Malformation type 1. This condition is where the lower part of the cerebellum extends below the base of your skull, which can impact your spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid flow. Jessica underwent compression brain surgery in July 2019. Jessica missed 2 months of work while recovering.

 Their daughter Madison (Madi) has also experienced and has been treated for headaches for the last 4 yrs. Jessica and Andrew decided to consult with Madi's pediatrician with concern for the possibility of Madi having Chiari as well.  They were referred to Dr. Oro who was Jessica's neurosurgeon specialist.  Dr. Oro said the chances of Madi having Chiari was less than 10%. However, results from her MRI confirmed that Madi did indeed have Chiari Malformation type 1. This news was devastating news for the Gilmore family!  Her herniation extended down 18 mm into the C2 vertebrae, whereas Jessica's was 6mm and extended to C1. The Gilmore's have contacted one of the top pediatric neurosurgeons in the nation in Palo Alto, CA. Dr. Gerald Grant informed the Gilmore's that Madison's case was SEVERE and requires immediate surgery.  Christmas will be spent in California this year for the Gilmore family.  Madi will undergo her surgery on Dec 27, 2019.

The Gilmore family will continue to experience a financial burden to care for their daughter this Christmas and during her recover. Again the Gilmore's  will miss work to care for their family in the coming months.

2019 has been a medical disaster for the Gilmore Family. Any help you can offer to this warm and loving family would be truly appreciated. Please show them your support this  holiday season and the coming months with your generous donations and thoughts and prayers for a pain free and quick recovery for Madison and  strength for her parents. Thank you. Merry Christmas and a happy,  healthy  New Year to you all!