Friends & Family,

This is something we truly never thought we would have to do, but here we are, leaning on our village.

As most of you know, Tayler has been battling Chiari Malformation, a condition where the lower part of his brain pushes down into the spinal canal, blocking the normal flow of spinal fluid. This led to syringomyelia, a fluid-filled cyst within his spinal cord, causing constant, severe pain, weakness, and neurological symptoms that have completely changed our lives.

Over the past year, Tayler has undergone four brain surgeries.

In March last year, he had his first decompression surgery, where part of his skull was removed to relieve pressure. His recovery was incredibly painful, and at times he could barely walk.

Three months later, he needed a second surgery after aggressive scar tissue caused his syrinx to triple in size, expanding from C1–C5 to nearly his entire spinal cord.

Just two days after that, he underwent an emergency third surgery due to hydrocephalus, a dangerous buildup of fluid on the brain. He now has a permanent shunt.

And now, he has just undergone his fourth surgery — a full redo decompression, laminectomy, and extensive scar tissue removal. This was the most complex and invasive surgery yet.

We are still in the hospital and will remain here a few more days before Tayler transfers to inpatient rehabilitation. The road ahead will be long. Recovery will take time, patience, therapy, and continued medical care. We know this next season will require everything we have — physically, emotionally, and financially.

Over the past year, Tayler has been unable to work for most of the time as his body has endured surgery after surgery. I have been spending the majority of my time caring for him — coordinating appointments, hospital stays, recovery, and now preparing for rehab. It has been a season of survival for us.

Before this fourth surgery, we were already facing $30,000 in medical expenses. With this latest procedure, extended hospital stay, inpatient rehab, continued imaging, follow-ups, and ongoing care, we know the financial strain will continue. But more than the bills themselves, it’s the loss of income and the long recovery ahead that make this season especially heavy.

We tried to carry this quietly, hoping there would be a “right time” to ask for help. The truth is, this is that time.

If you feel led and are able to support us financially, it would mean more than we can put into words. If giving isn’t possible, sharing this page and continuing to pray for Tayler’s healing and strength means just as much.

Thank you for standing with us through the hardest year of our lives. Your love, prayers, and encouragement are what carry us forward.

With love and gratitude,

Lauren & Tayler