This is my sister, Leah. She has a heart of gold and a passion for serving others.

A year ago, Leah started experiencing severe migraines and chronic sinus infections. In a short 8 months, her symptoms progressed into debilitating muscle weakness, nerve pain, muscle spasms, and paresthesia. Her condition became so severe that she had to quit her job and put her Master’s degree on hold.

After getting a brain MRI, she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. It’s a rare skull condition where the brain is too big and comes out the base, applying pressure on the spinal cord. This condition is extremely life changing, and greatly decreased her quality of life.

On May 15th, Leah underwent Chiari Decompression surgery, which is a surgical procedure to the back of the skull and outside layer of the brain in order to make more room.

The surgery is costly, and as her best friend and sister, I am hoping to relieve her of debt so she can focus on healing and getting better. Any amount you can donate would be greatly appreciated and a big help.

About Leah Parkhurst

If you don’t know Leah, let me tell you why she’s exactly the type of person who deserves a donation.

She has always gravitated toward public service jobs, as she has a desire to help others and make the world a better place. Before she had to quit her job to do Chiari, She had a long, successful career working in Law Enforcement Agencies and Courthouses.

Throughout her career, she worked in two police departments and two courthouses, after majoring in Criminology at the University of La Verne. Although these work environments can be tense, stressful, and draining, Leah always went the extra mile to help. She used to tell me that when the public comes into her place of work, they are facing the worst time in their lives (no one comes to a courthouse or a police station for fun, right?). With that in mind, she would show visitors great kindness and empathy, so much so that receiving commendations from the public for her customer service became a regular part of her career.

In her spare time, she volunteered for the Girl Scouts (teaching Forensic Investigation), where she inspired young girls to become forensic technicians and pursue a career in psychology, criminology, or law. The positive impact of her service was so great that the Girl Scouts organization awarded her with the prestigious “Volunteer of the Year Award.”

For me personally, Leah has always been my biggest supporter and advocate. As her twin sister, it’s been really difficult to watch a rare condition completely turn her life upside down.

Breakdown of Cost

I am asking for help to cover the cost of surgery, so that I can take pressure off of Leah and she can focus on recovering.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read her story and for considering helping me pay for Leah’s surgery. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read her story, and any donations or prayers you can send our way.

Warmest thanks,

Rachel Parkhurst (Leah’s twin sister)