Dear Friends,

We are kicking off a campaign to help collect donations for my cousin Kara’s mounting medical expenses from several procedures required to address her recent brain aneurysm. The effects of this aneurysm have been challenging and stressful for Kara and her family. In addition to the long and difficult recovery, the mounting medical expenses cost the family thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses after insurance coverage.

Our family is asking for your donation of any amount to help ease the financial burden and resulting stress that Kara Downs and her family are facing. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to contribute to her medical expenses.

To learn more about Kara’s journey, please continue reading below, and thank you for any help you can contribute!

In May 2022, after months of experiencing debilitating headaches, a CT scan detected that Kara had a 3cm aneurysm on the internal carotid artery supplying blood flow to her brain. She immediately sought treatment at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL, where they conducted several angiograms and performed surgery to place a stent in the carotid artery to maintain blood flow to the brain. Unfortunately, the surgery failed due to the size of the aneurysm, and Kara was referred to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis for follow-up surgery.

While waiting for her surgery date to arrive at Barnes, Kara’s pain worsened. A CT scan at her local hospital in Quincy, IL identified damaged vessels and nerves due to the first surgery. Further, the aneurysm was pressing on optic nerves causing severe double vision. She was immediately airlifted to Barnes ICU. Fortunately, Barnes successfully performed the procedure and placed the stent to help alleviate some of Kara’s symptoms.

In the weeks and months that have followed the procedure, Kara continues to experience severe headaches, double vision, and vision loss due to the complexity of her condition. This has impacted her emotionally and financially. Kara is a proud mom of 2 daughters, Lani (14) and Layla (8), and her condition has made it incredibly challenging to be there in the way she wants for her girls. Most recently, Lani went to her first Homecoming dance, and Kara was unable to go dress shopping with her due to her symptoms. Additionally, while she tried very hard to work in the immediate weeks following the procedure, she has been unable to continue in her role as an accountant for the time being due to her severe symptoms and the insistence of her surgeon.

Kara has a fierce spirit, and we know she will continue to recover in time. In the meantime, thank you for your continued prayers and support!