I have created this GoFundMe for my sister, Katie Skiba. Katie has been experiencing serious health issues over the past few years, resulting in many doctors' appointments, surgeries, and hospitalizations. After being dismissed by several doctors and going to countless specialists, she has been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (artery compression), a rare condition. She has been unable to work for over two years due to her medical issues.
She has experienced significant medical events, including a tonic-clonic seizure in May of 2024 that caused her to be unconscious for 8 minutes and stop breathing. She suffered a concussion and other injuries from the seizure. In May of 2025, she had to have emergency surgery after she was misdiagnosed and had a stent placed. The stent migrated to her heart, resulting in dangerous complications and a hospitalization. She then had surgery for the thoracic outlet syndrome in October of 2025, which unfortunately did not work. Although her husband Mike works very hard to support the family, Katie has a lot of medical bills and will have more due to needing another surgery.
After having a few bad experiences with doctors, she has finally found a thoracic outlet syndrome specialist in Boston who can perform surgery to repair the artery compression. It will be an inpatient surgery with a 5-7 night stay in the hospital. This will cost Katie and Mike several thousand dollars after what insurance covers. Katie and Mike will need to stay in a hotel in Boston afterward until she is cleared to come home. The estimated recovery time for the surgery is 6-12 months. Katie has been determined to find a solution so that she can better take care of her three children and eventually get back to work. She experiences significant pain and struggles on a daily basis. Before all this, Katie was running marathons, lifting weights, and very active with her kids. Her life has changed considerably. This surgery is her best option for getting back to herself.
Katie is the most selfless and kindhearted person I have ever met. She would do anything for anyone and is the last person who would ask for help. She is a very dedicated mother and has said this whole time that her kids have been her motivation for advocating for herself and wanting to get better. Katie, Mike, and the kids have all been through a lot. I want to help make this less stressful for them. Any donations are greatly appreciated and will go directly to Katie and Mike to help with her medical expenses. Thank you to anyone who helps her during this extremely difficult time.