As many of you already know, our sweet Coraline is gearing up to undergo a critical and long-awaited spinal surgery, actually TWO spinal surgeries!

For those who don’t know, seven-year-old Cora was born with a condition known as Conradi-Hünermann syndrome.

CHS Details: https://w.wiki/EwV5

Sydney and Sean met in October of 2018 and by January 2019, Syd and Cora had built an everlasting and unbreakable bond. At that point, Sydney and Sean had started their lives together, as well as their journey to help Cora navigate a world not built for people with special needs (especially children).

Four years later, Cora’s baby sister, Maevelyn, was born. She and Cora have been inseparable “sissies” and best friends ever since… even being mistaken for twins at times, which they love.

Their little family is everything Sean and Sydney have ever dreamed of, even with the endless challenges Cora is forced to face. Coraline's lust for life and positivity keeps everyone smiling, pushing forward, and giving their all. We call her the “Every day is a good day girl” because of her sweetness, strength, and amazing attitude even in the difficult times.

Cora has had many procedures and treatments in the past 7 years, but the surgeries coming up are the most major undertakings to date for her, her family, and even her medical team. Cora and her parents will travel to St. Louis, MO next month for the surgical specialists and rehabilitation (which can take an unknown number of weeks/months).

Cora and her parents have always been blessed with unconditional love and support from both family and friends. And now all of those wonderful people are reaching out and asking for ways to help with this process. It was suggested to me that the “GoFundMe” program was created for just this type of thing, providing a platform to offer and receive support.

First and foremost, Syd and Sean want you to know that the most important gifts are love, prayers, and the continued care that Cora consistently receives! Even though this is a tremendously scary undertaking, we’re all so grateful that the wait is almost over.

And now, after years of setbacks due to second opinions, scheduling issues, and seemingly never-ending battles with insurance... our girl is FINALLY on the books!

On Monday, September 8th, Coraline will undergo surgery #1: Halo Traction Surgery at Shriners Children in St. Louis, MO.

Surgery Details: https://youtu.be/1uyRDX9Iur0?si=2hBLes9t9k5i2npi

Once stabilized from the Halo Surgery, she will begin a rigorous daily routine of multiple types of physical therapy and rehabilitation with a laser focus on getting her muscles strong, bones in place, and spine prepared for what they call “the Big Back Surgery,” which will take place in October.

This recovery and rehabilitation will take 6 weeks. Yes, this means her parents will be traveling from Oklahoma City to St. Louis, rotating their stays, juggling care for their home, pets, and Cora’s little sister, taking days and weeks off work (most unpaid), while providing Cora with the love and support she needs for her physical and emotional well-being.

On Thursday, October 23rd, Coraline will undergo surgery #2: Spinal Fusion Surgery AKA Shilla Procedure (“The Big Back Surgery”).

Surgery Details: https://youtu.be/Up0cF__Lbm0?si=ijiZ3m16tzQHWMNE

https://tinyurl.com/fwedzv7d

The purpose of this surgery will be to fuse and remove vertebrae to straighten and lengthen her spine. We are also hoping this surgery will take pressure off her nerves; if so, this could improve function and control below her waist. Yay!

After another recovery and rehab, she will be released to travel back home to a big welcome celebration! Stay tuned for those details…

Note from Syd and Sean:

Our community has been nothing short of amazing these last 7.8 years of Coraline’s life. From our loving family, including Cora’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the many dear friends who are like family, we have been beyond blessed with support and love for Cora!

This is really no surprise, because if you know Cora, you probably absolutely love and adore her as much as we do!

We will post updates on her surgeries and recoveries as they happen. We are very confident in the medical team and we know she will have the best care possible. If you want to reach out to Cora during her rehab with a call, (FaceTime is her favorite), card, or stuffy ☺, we will update this page with an address once we have the information. We know she will love hearing from you! We plan for her to have a phone or iPad to help her feel more connected.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts; we could not get through this without the love and support of our incredible community.

We love you, and Cora loves you <3