Sara's Medical Fund - Go Pain Free
Donation protected
Sara has been living with debilitating headaches for most of her adult life. Just a few of the symptoms associated with her headaches in addition to the severe migraine pain are dizziness, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, forgetfulness, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
Despite numerous treatments and endless visits to countless neurologists, the headaches and migraines have continued to intensify. 12 years and 4 unsuccessful, painful surgeries later, her search for answers led to the Chiari Institute in New York City where she was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Chiari Malformation. The headaches are a result of a 6mm herniation of the cerebellar tonsils and from craniocervical instability. In other words, her brain is being pushed down into her brainstem and her neck is too weak to support her head.
On Febuary 4th, she will receive what she hopes will be her final surgery. Two surgeons in New York City will perform surgery that includes decompression for the brain and an occiput to c2 fusion. Which, in plain English, means that they will fuse her c1 and c2 vertebre to her skull. It will require a 5-day hospital stay and a 6 week recovery. She will be in New York and away from her two little girls for at least 7-10 days and then travel back and forth from Maryland to New York for several months for follow-up visits. Although she will lose 30% of her mobility in her neck, the hope of finally living pain free is worth the risk and challenges ahead.
The costs associated with the surgery will be tremendous, even after insurance coverage and she will not be compensated during her extended recovery. In an effort to help cover medical costs, living expenses, and long-term rehabilitation, we are asking for your help. Any donation is greatly appreciated regardless of denomination.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you so much.
Despite numerous treatments and endless visits to countless neurologists, the headaches and migraines have continued to intensify. 12 years and 4 unsuccessful, painful surgeries later, her search for answers led to the Chiari Institute in New York City where she was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Chiari Malformation. The headaches are a result of a 6mm herniation of the cerebellar tonsils and from craniocervical instability. In other words, her brain is being pushed down into her brainstem and her neck is too weak to support her head.
On Febuary 4th, she will receive what she hopes will be her final surgery. Two surgeons in New York City will perform surgery that includes decompression for the brain and an occiput to c2 fusion. Which, in plain English, means that they will fuse her c1 and c2 vertebre to her skull. It will require a 5-day hospital stay and a 6 week recovery. She will be in New York and away from her two little girls for at least 7-10 days and then travel back and forth from Maryland to New York for several months for follow-up visits. Although she will lose 30% of her mobility in her neck, the hope of finally living pain free is worth the risk and challenges ahead.
The costs associated with the surgery will be tremendous, even after insurance coverage and she will not be compensated during her extended recovery. In an effort to help cover medical costs, living expenses, and long-term rehabilitation, we are asking for your help. Any donation is greatly appreciated regardless of denomination.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you so much.
Organizer
Melissa Stanton
Organizer
Davenport, IA
