Help Makenna Overcome Chiari Malformation

As many of you know Makenna has been very sick since March 2024. In and out of the ER constantly due to the pain. Blood work, x-rays, ultra sounds, CT scans and every other test imaginable done. Findings…..nothing. She kept going in over and over finally they decided to do an MRI. She was immediately referred to a neurosurgeon. Of course there was a 4 month long wait for her to be seen. Her doctor was not ok with that. They got her in to a doctor 8 hours away within a couple weeks. Finally a diagnosis! Arnold Chiari Malformation. A rare condition. Chiari is a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, descends out of the skull base and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on the brain and spine causing many disabling symptoms. Basically her skull is too small for her brain or brain to big for her skull and is falling out the bottom. However you want to say it lol. She was born with this explaining her horrid migraines as a small child that the doctors told us she would out grow. The neurosurgeon said she is a perfect candidate for the Chiari decompression surgery. We have left the decision completely up to her. There are risks with the surgery and without. So it’s a matter of how does she want to live the rest of her life. She has chosen to go forward with the surgery. She will be in the ICU 3-4 days after surgery and then regular hospital for 3-4 day best case scenario. Could be longer if there are complications. Her recovery time is depending on how things go but should be 6-8 weeks. So I am trying to cover all bases. My sister is taking us down and staying with us and bringing us home. Makenna will also see a cardiologist August 8 th for her heart being funky. Could be related but maybe not. Her doctor wants to cover all bases. I know everyone is concerned and has asked if there’s anything they can do. Our biggest worry right now is financial …..well on top of getting Makenna fixed up! Any little help in covering the cost of gas, food, hotel, and house hold expenses while out of work during this time would help immensely! But even good thoughts, vibes, prayers, or whatever you believe in would mean the world! Here’s to getting her better and be able to live pain free!