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My sister and I are starting a GoFundMe for our cousin Kristina, who is facing an incredibly challenging journey. After months of worsening pain, immobility, and uncertainty, she was finally diagnosed with tethered cord syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Just two weeks ago, she learned her spinal cord was tethered and that many of her joints were partially dislocated—damage likely caused by a car accident in 2023 that had gone undetected. While waiting for a scheduled surgery in March, her condition worsened to the point she required emergency spine surgery. Thankfully, the surgery went well, but recovery will be long and difficult, with significant pain management and specialized rehab in Rhode Island. Our cousin has exhausted her savings after months of medical appointments and treatments. She’ll need to stay in Rhode Island for at least a month of rehab with specialists familiar with EDS and tethered cord syndrome, which comes with housing and travel costs on top of medical bills. We are hoping to ease some of this financial burden so they can focus on healing. Any support—whether through donations or simply sharing the fundraiser—means the world. Thank you for being part of their journey toward recovery!
Organizer and beneficiary
Kristina Kesely
Beneficiary






