I am requesting help for my sister who remains in the Medical University of South Carolina after 4 weeks and will probably remain for another 6-8 weeks and possibly longer.

Karla has had a lifelong history of medical issues including severe scoliosis and syringomyelia. Syringomyelia is a fluid filled cyst that forms on the spinal cord and normally not a large thing. Karla's is the full length of her spine. 

Karla had a brain bleed occur about 4 weeks ago and was rushed to MUSC to the neurological ICU. They have been trying to determine what caused the bleed. They suspected cancer, but have not found any thank goodness. During this stay, Karla has been struggling to keep her oxygen level at a normal range. It seems that her body can't expel the carbon dioxide like it should and has been on a respirator to help with this. The excess CO2 can cause all kinds of medical issues and even lead to death if not corrected. They thought the brain bleed was caused by a stroke, however, they have since found the real reason for the issue. An MRI was done of her back and brain and they discovered that the syrinx cyst has put enough pressure on her brain stem that it has developed a kink. This is preventing the brain from getting a good enough signal to the lungs to do what it needs to do to maintain the CO2 levels in the normal range. The plan is to try to get her stronger to be able to  handle surgery to correct the brain stem. 

This syrinx has over her lifetime caused her the loss of her independence. It slowly has affect the nerves in her legs that she really needs help walking. Sometimes she has to use her wheelchair when she has a bad day. She has also lost the use of her left arm as a result. This syrinx has taken a lot from her, and I am hoping that with this surgery, they will be able to implement a method to keep the syrinx to a level as not to do any further damage to Karla. It will be a long slow healing process and as a result will be an emotional and financial burden on her and me. I am her primary care giver and the cost of travel back and forth to Charleston as well as some overnight stays are beginning to take their toll. I can't even imagine the financial burden Karla will have once she gets out of the hospital. The most remarkable thing is that throughout her life, Karla has always remained positive and happy!  
She is amazing and the doctors and nurses are in awe of her attitude. She does have a few as she calls them, "moments", but they are never known to others. She is always smiling and saying thank you to everyone that comes into her room.  Others have said they would have been so cranky and nasty by this moment from all the things they have done to her. 

This money will help with the financial responsibility as well as any after care solutions to her living quarters or personal care. Any help that can be given will be more appreciated than you will ever know.  Travel money would be helpful right away.  

Besides this, please send up prayers for the doctors caring for her and prayers that she has the strength to endure it all.

If anyone has connections to Terry Bradshaw, he is her idol and to meet him is on her bucket list. She is a die hard Steelers fan. I thought I would just put it out there just in case!    

Thank you for your taking the time to read this and I wish all the best for you!