Let’s support Jaden and Molina Family

Prologue:
What caused Jaden to have Chiari? Was it when he was breech and the doctor thought he was the potter and my stomach was the clay and he molded, turned, molded some more until Jaden stayed in the right position?

Or was it before that after I had my tubes tied and Jaden’s little spirit found an egg and somehow made it through the blocked passage?

Or was it caused by hitting his head at some point? We will never know but can’t help but wonder how long has he had it? Wrestling? Roller Coasters? Sliding down a pine-needle-covered-mountain and crashing into a log head first?  Falling off a horse? Falling off a truck?

Should I have known something was wrong when he had sleep apnea at 2 and had his tonsils and adenoids out? It’s a symptom of Chiari.

Or when he was in 1st grade, and his teacher said he didn’t know chairs were for sitting? ADHD is a symptom.

Should I have known when he erased his arm because it didn’t hurt and he thought he was just a “bad ass”?

Or when he fell while walking across the baseball field in front of everyone when they were playing for the Western Region Little League championship? There was no reason for him to fall. Lack of balance is a symptom.

What about during middle school when he had headaches all the time? Should I have known? Headaches are a symptom.

Should I have realized that something was wrong when he got hit in the arm with a baseball in 8th grade and has complained about numbness ever since?




Jaden is a 16-year-old junior at Sahuarita High School. He and his family found out in December of 2018 that he has Chiari 1 Malformation. According to conquerchiari.org, Chiari Malformation is a “serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine, and disrupting the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).” They learned in February of 2019 that he needs major brain surgery to remove part of his skull to create space for his brain and hopefully, to decrease the symptoms he experiences.

The surgery will take place in Denver, Colorado on April 8th. He will be in the hospital for at least one week and will be unable to return to normal functioning (school) for at least 2 months. Total recovery is expected to take up to one year. Jaden and his parents, Dawn and Celso Molina, will be in Denver and out of work for at least 2 weeks (if all goes well). Dawn is a well-respected school psychologist for the Sahuarita Unified School District. Many of you may know her through her work advocating for kids and supporting families throughout our community. Celso has worked in Nogales for many years as a diesel mechanic. He is an important part of the trucking community in Nogales. 

As you can imagine, this is a huge unexpected expense for the family. The cost of this surgery includes medical expenses, after-surgery care, travel and lodging, daily living expenses, and any income lost as a result of being out of work. Of course, any and all prayers are always welcome. In addition, if it is within your means, the family would appreciate any monetary donation that you can provide, as it will help offset the expenses related to Jaden’s surgery.

Blessings to you all and thank you for your support!