Jennifer's Brain Surgery

In January, I will have brain and abdominal surgery to insert a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt , a medical device that relieves pressure on the brain caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fluid accumulation.  CSF surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord, however,  too much of it puts a dangerous amount of pressure on your brain, skull, and spine, and causes brain damage, memory, vision, & hearing loss. A VP shunt is placed inside your brain's ventricles, and drains excess fluid out of your brain and into your abdomen, where it is absorbed by your body. This lowers the pressure and swelling in your brain.

Medical management is typically first tried by doctors. For the last year and a half, I have been on medication to lower the pressure inside my brain and spinal cord; however, the medication has harsh side effects and has put me in chronic metabolic acidosis -- a condition that can lead to kidney failure. For this reason, my doctors have stopped medication and have stated that a surgical solution is now the only option moving forward. 

$6,000 is the cost of my deductible for 2020. Any and all contributions (no matter how small) would be extremely helpful and will go to the deductible (new year, new deductible). If any extra costs are raised, they will go to transportation costs, recovery costs, co-pays, and medications. 

If you are unable to donate finances, gift cards, flowers, cards, and hospital visits are welcome too. The surgery will take place in Arlington, Virginia. The time and date have been withheld for privacy reasons, but are available if requested. 

Thank you all for your support during this difficult time. Happy holidays to you and your family. 

Best,
Jennifer