My mom, Karen Christian, founder of Christian Doodles, has spent her life serving others—through her faith, her creativity, and her constant willingness to help anyone in need. Today, she is the one who needs help.

Over the past year, Karen has been living with severe, crippling pain caused by a tarlov cyst on her spinal cord, along with advanced lumbar degenerative disc disease, severe facet osteo arthritis in the lumbar spine and neuro stenosis on her L3, L4 and L5 joints. She has seen multiple doctors and specialists and has undergone X-rays, MRIs, and several CT scans. In an effort to manage the pain, she has undergone multiple cortisone injections— none of which have brought lasting relief. After multiple consultations she was also not a candidate for nerve ablations.

Recently, doctors discovered that the cyst on her spine is progressing and is now dangerously close to leaving her wheelchair-bound. She is unable to stand for more than 10 minutes at a time and lives in constant pain, day and night. She cannot lie flat, struggles to sleep, and her quality of life has been deeply affected.

In Canada, Karen has been told that the the only way she could receive a spinal fusion surgery is if her condition becomes an emergency—specifically, if she loses bladder or bowel control. Waiting for her condition to worsen is not a safe or acceptable option.

After extensive research, Karen found hope. A highly qualified neurosurgeon in Tijuana, Mexico has reviewed her MRIs and confirmed that her condition can be safely and permanently repaired—without spinal fusion—allowing her to retain full movement and significantly reduce her pain. This surgery could truly give her her life back.

We are raising funds to make this life-changing surgery possible.

The total cost is approximately $55,000 CAD, which includes:

• Spinal surgery (cyst removal and spinal implant)

• Accommodations in Mexico for approximately 7 days

• Travel and transportation to and from Mexico

• Extensive post-operative physiotherapy

• Support accommodations for her daughter Abigail, a licensed nurse, who will accompany and care for her throughout the journey

Karen is hoping to undergo surgery within the next 3–6 weeks, as soon as the financial aspect is in place. This is the final hurdle standing between her and healing. We understand and do not expect all funds to be raised through donation. Karen is exploring every avenue including medical loans to make this surgery possible. Medical loans are high interest, so I’m reaching out to help ease the financial burden for her. 

Karen has always been the one to give—to encourage, to pray, to serve, and to uplift others. Now we are asking, humbly, for help in giving back to her.

Every contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated.

If you are unable to give financially, we ask for your prayers—they mean more than words can express.

We are trusting the Lord to provide and believe this is the final step toward Karen’s healing and restoration.

We will be posting updates in the weeks to come. If you have any questions or would like to donate privately, you can reach out to myself (Megan).

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.