Hi, my name is Liz and I'm a therapist in Chicago, IL. I'm fundraising for my sister, Laura, who has had a painful and traumatic couple months. Laura is a public high school special education teacher and has been on FMLA since October 25th for Microvascular Decompression Surgery (MVD Surgery).

Laura was in the hospital longer than originally planned, so her return to work has been significantly delayed. We’re asking for support because although Laura would love to return to the classroom, she can't right now and needs some help to pay her rent and bills while she recovers. You can read more about her diagnosis and surgery below.

Laura is diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). After working with a neurologist and trying different medications over the last year to relieve her pain, Laura and her doctors decided that MVD Surgery was the next logical step in treatment.

Unfortunately Laura's recovery was not typical of someone after MVD surgery. Two days after being released from the hospital, Laura had signs of a CSF leak (Cerebrospinal Fluid). CSF leaks can be really scary because there is a high risk of infection. Laura was readmitted to the hospital on October 30th. She was hospitalized for 19 days. During that time, she had two craniotomies; the first was an unsuccessful attempt to repair the leak in her brain's dura; the second craniotomy occurred 10 days later, and after another week in the hospital for monitoring, she was cleared for discharge. Laura has been home since November 17th. She was initially on bed rest and has since been advised to limit physical activity as her body heals.

Read more about Trigeminal Neuralgia here: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/trigeminal-neuralgia