For thirteen years, Naja has lived with a debilitating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Her condition began after complications from a medical procedure, during which her dura was punctured multiple times. The aftermath has left her battling severe headaches and neurological symptoms that have profoundly affected her daily life. This is a treatable condition but needs specialist input- many sufferers go misdiagnosed for a long time unfortunately, despite the severity of the condition. If csf leaks from the spine, the brain is not cushioned enough and it causes neurological symptoms and severe pain that can increase the risk of dangerous complications

Despite her persistence, Naja was misdiagnosed for years and became lost in the medical system. As a result, she has endured long-term suffering without the timely support and treatment she desperately needed.

Over the past three months, Naja’s condition has worsened dramatically, leaving her completely bed bound, unable to take care of herself or her family. She is currently in the hospital facing dangerous, life-impacting symptoms from the CSF leak. She wants nothing more than to regain her health so she can care for her two young children who need their mother.

Unfortunately, CSF leaks are still poorly understood, and only a small number of specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating complex cases like Naja’s.

This fundraiser aims to get Naja the treatment she urgently needs - through a specialist team in the University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany. Here is the treatment plan from Freiburg:-

"Day 1: MRI cranial und spinal achses; day 2: ONSUS (optic nerve sheath ultrasound), infusion test, myelography (which is diagnostic!) and post-myelo CT; day 3 (or 2): blood patch, if necessary; day 4 (or 3): discharge.

If blood patch doesn’t help, a surgery can be discussed. The deposit for inpatient diagnostics, blood patch and/or surgery is 34.000 EUR, incl. inpatient stay of up to 7 days."

She is a devoted mother and wife, and her family is desperate to have her back to the vibrant person she once was.

Please donate if you can, and share this fundraiser to help us reach those who may be able to support. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference