Help Todd Get Life-Changing Surgery to Relieve Brain and Nerve Pressure

Summary:

After seven years of illness and nerve compression affecting his brain and spinal cord, we’re fundraising for vital surgery to decompress veins and nerves at the base of Todd’s skull — to restore blood flow, balance, and confidence so he can safely hold and play with his little daughter again.

Hi, my name is Nicole, and I’m fundraising on behalf of Todd Mainwaring.

Todd has spent the last seven years battling serious neurological and health issues, and this is his chance to finally get his life back.

Doctors have found that Todd’s internal jugular veins and vagus nerves are being compressed near the base of his skull, restricting blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow — a condition known as CCSVI (Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency).

This blockage causes pressure on the brain, poor circulation, and nerve dysfunction, leading to many of the serious problems he’s faced for years.

How This Has Affected Todd’s Life

Because of this ongoing compression, Todd has developed multiple severe medical conditions, including:

Transverse Myelitis

MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome)

Pancreatic insufficiency

Lymphopaenia

Neurosarcoidosis

Intracranial hypertension

Papilledema (optic nerve swelling)

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

Chronic spasticity in his legs and hands

Severe fatigue, dizziness, and depression

Loss of balance and coordination

These issues have taken away his confidence and independence.

Some days, even standing or walking is difficult — and he lives in constant fear of losing his balance while holding his 18-month-old daughter.

Todd has been on a disability pension for the past six years, but his goal is to recover enough to return to work and provide for his family again. This surgery offers real hope that he can regain his balance, strength, and quality of life.

How Surgery Can Help

The planned operation will:

Decompress both internal jugular veins and vagus nerves

Shave and reshape the C1 vertebra

Remove a small section of bone at the base of the skull to relieve pressure and restore circulation

This procedure aims to:

Improve blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow

Reduce brain pressure and toxin buildup

Enhance balance, mobility, and mental clarity

Support proper nerve and organ function

It’s a rare and complex surgery, requiring a team of highly experienced specialists — a neurologist and an ENT / skull base surgeon.

Funding Goal & Medical Costs

Below is the current estimated cost breakdown:

Neurologist surgical and hospital fees: $5,080.65

Ear, Nose, Throat / Head & Neck surgeon: $6,060.50

Anaesthetist: approximately $3,000

Hospital stay (3 days): $1,086

Post-operative recovery, imaging, and travel expenses

Estimated Total Goal: $16,500 AUD

This total covers both surgeries, hospital care, and recovery expenses so Todd can finally move forward with treatment.

Operation Details

The first surgery is scheduled for 19th February 2026, where the decompression of Todd’s internal jugular veins, vagus nerves, C1 vertebra, and skull base will begin.

A second surgery is expected approximately three months later, depending on recovery and specialist availability.

There is only one surgeon in Australia qualified to perform these complex procedures, based in Sydney, which means Todd will need to travel for both operations, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments.

Having confirmed surgical planning gives us hope — but it also means there is limited time to raise the funds needed to secure everything for both procedures and recovery.

Verification Note

We have official medical reports, imaging, and cost estimates confirming the need for this procedure.

For privacy reasons, we’re not posting all documents publicly, but we can share verification privately with anyone who wishes to confirm the details.

Thank You

This surgery represents Todd’s best chance to regain his health, balance, and independence — and to be the active, loving father he wants to be for his daughter.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing his story to help us reach more people. Every share and every dollar helps more than words can say.

Thank you all so much for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With love and gratitude,

Nicole & Todd