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<div>In November 2024, my friend Katie's life <strong>changed</strong> almost <strong>over night</strong>. A caring and vibrant mother of three, wife, nurse, and devoted caregiver became largely <strong>bedbound</strong> after severe neurological symptoms rapidly took over following a virus and neck injury.
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<div>For the last several years, Katie had been caring for her chronically ill daughter. Now, her family is facing the unimaginable reality of <strong>fighting for Katie's health and future.</strong>
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<div>What began as confusion and searching for answers became an exhausting<strong> two-year battle. </strong>Katie now lives with progressive craniocervical instability and basilar invagination caused by a connective tissue disorder (EDS), which has weakened the structures meant to support her head and neck. In simple terms, there is dangerous <strong>pressure</strong> on her <strong>brainstem</strong> and <strong>spinal cord</strong>.
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<div>Katie experiences episodes of weakness and <strong>paralysis</strong>, <strong>tremors</strong>, severe head pressure,<strong> tics</strong>, burning <strong>nerve pain</strong>, difficulty walking, and left-sided neurological deficits. Sitting upright for even short periods of time can significantly worsen her symptoms. Katie spends <strong>22 out of 24 hours a day lying flat </strong>to avoid neurological decline.
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<div>I've watched her endure these episodes with grace, courage, and patience. I have seen firsthand her physically crawl her way to get up stairs in her beloved bungalow home for an entire year to spend more time with her kids on the porch and first level, until it was no longer possible. They sold their home to aid in her functionality and spend more time with her family. <strong>Even using a specialized custom wheelchair to support her head and spine is limited</strong> and often increases the pressure in her head. Something as simple as a trip to the backyard must be carefully planned, requiring multiple people, and is limited to less than two hours outside her bedroom. Even basic tasks like washing her hair now require help. She can be <strong>out of her neck brace for only a few minutes, </strong>while someone carefully supports her head in the exact position to prevent neurological symptoms.
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<div>After countless appointments, tests, waitlists, and consultations with specialists around the world, <strong>Katie has been accepted for highly specialized neurosurgery in Spain.</strong>..a surgery that offers hope of stability, relief, and the chance to reclaim pieces of her life for the first time in TWO years.
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<div>Things many of us take for granted, Katie misses dearly: sitting upright at the kitchen table with her family, hugging and cuddling with her family, going to church, helping her kids with homework and simply being present without sacrificing her health.
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<div>The decision was not made lightly. It came after extensive research, expert opinions, and exhausting efforts to find answers closer to home.
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<div>The costs are <strong>overwhelming</strong>. Out-of-pocket surgery, international travel, housing during recovery, medical care abroad, and ongoing expenses while Katie is unable to work have placed an enormous burden on the family.
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<div>If you know Katie, you know how much she has poured into others as a mother, nurse, friend, and advocate. Right now, she needs us to pour into her during this <strong>critical fight for her life</strong>.
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<div>Every <strong>donation</strong>, every<strong> share</strong>, and every <strong>prayer</strong> matters. Your support can help give Katie access to the <strong>lifesaving care</strong> she urgently needs and provide hope to a family carrying more than anyone should have to bear.
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<div>These funds will go directly towards:
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<li>Out of pocket neurosurgery ($139,000)
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<li>Living expenses during rehabilitation
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<li>Travel expenses
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<li>Caregiving costs while Mitch continues to work and support the family.
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<div>Please helps us give Katie a chance to heal.
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Paula St Louis

Ira Lasky

Anonymous

Mary Kay McMahon

Jessica Riley

Matthew Tures

Melissa Garcia

Laura Werfelmann

Monica McBride

Krista Seidemann

Eileen Moriarty

Donald Andersen

Help Save Katie's Life: Urgent Neurosurgery in Spain

Help Save Katie's Life: Urgent Neurosurgery in Spain

Still $2,242 to go. Help us build momentum.