Hi, we’re Brandy and Roger Utter — Emily’s parents.

We’re sharing this fundraiser to help support our daughter Emily as she navigates a recent and life-altering medical diagnosis. This has been an overwhelming season for our family, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure Emily receives the care she needs while managing the financial strain that comes with it.

Emily is an 18-year-old high school senior who was recently diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) a rare neurological condition that causes increased pressure around the brain and optic nerves. This pressure can lead to severe headaches and vision problems, and without proper treatment, the risk of permanent vision loss is very real.

Recently, Emily was admitted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for evaluation, where she spent two nights undergoing multiple tests. Shortly after being discharged, she had to return to the emergency room due to complications from a spinal tap. This marked the beginning of what we now understand will be a long-term medical journey.

Emily is currently under the care of multiple specialists in the Phoenix area and will require frequent appointments moving forward. This means ongoing travel, gas, hotel stays, time away from work, and medical expenses that are not fully covered by insurance.

One of Emily’s medically necessary treatments, which is critical to protecting her vision, is unfortunately not covered by insurance and costs over $1,000 per month. In addition to this, she has other out-of-pocket expenses related to her care, including medications, supplements, and recommended wellness support as part of her treatment plan.

Emily is also being treated for additional health concerns that she has chosen to keep private, and we are honoring her wishes while continuing to advocate fiercely for her health and well-being.

As parents, we are doing everything we can to support Emily physically, emotionally, and medically but the financial burden has become difficult to manage on our own.

This GoFundMe will help cover:

Travel, gas, and hotel costs for ongoing medical visits

Medically necessary treatments and out-of-pocket medications

Recommended wellness and recovery support

Emergency room visits and follow-up care

We’ve set our goal at $6,000 to help cover a portion of Emily’s medical, travel, and treatment-related expenses over the coming months. If we are blessed beyond that, every dollar will go directly toward her continued care.

If you feel led to donate, share, or keep Emily in your thoughts and prayers, please know how deeply grateful we are. The love, kindness, and support from our community have meant more to our family than words can express.

With love and gratitude,

Brandy, Roger & the Utter Family