The harsh reality: Without surgery on January 13, her spinal cord compression could result in permanent paralysis, quadriplegia, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
My twin sister Ciera is a warrior in every sense of the word. She chose to become a United States Marine specifically because of their reputation for toughness and brotherhood, and their dedication to duty, honor, and service – and she proved herself worthy of that every day as a squared away Marine and when she volunteered to deploy to Iraq. She then became an ICU-grade Registered Dietician dedicated to helping others in their most challenging circumstances heal. She's also a devoted single mother raising Jack (7) and Piper (4) with unwavering love, strength and determination.
But now, she's fighting the toughest battle of her life, and she needs our help.
Ciera's Diagnosis
Ciera lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a debilitating, progressive connective tissue disorder that, among other complications, has led to craniocervical instability. Simply put, her skull is slowly crushing the base of her brain as her cervical spine collapses on itself.
Getting this diagnosis took years of fighting through medical gaslighting. I've witnessed firsthand her dismissed with everything from "it's all in your head" to various autoimmune disorders. Throughout her medical odyssey, Ciera has spent countless hours and thousands upon thousands of dollars on imaging and specialist appointments just to get proper answers and track the progression of her disease.
Every single day, she endures:
- Severe, migraine-level head and neck pain that never stops
- Crushing fatigue that makes even simple tasks monumental
- Dizziness and vision problems that make the world spin
- Cognitive impairment that clouds her once-sharp mind
Despite her 100% permanent disability VA rating, they will not cover this surgery.
The Breaking Point
For years, this Devil Dog has pushed through pain and discomfort that would bring most of us to our knees. During COVID, she continued to serve as a frontline medical worker, knowingly placing herself in harm's way despite being on immunosuppressants that made her vulnerable — she showed up for her ICU patients, her fellow healthcare workers, and everyone who needed her expertise, compassion, and good humor.
Two years ago, her body finally said "no more." The heartbreaking decision to leave her career wasn't a choice – it was survival.
Yet even now, she wakes up every morning and somehow musters the strength to be the mother Jack and Piper need. She pushes through excruciating pain to prepare healthy meals, help with homework, and tuck them in at night. But at 7 and 4 years old, they need their mom for so many years to come – and we're running out of time.
The Solution
Thankfully, there is hope; a surgery that will stabilize her spine and halt the progression of this aspect of her devastating condition. This complex procedure involves:
- Fusing and stabilizing her skull to her spine
- Bone grafts to promote healing
- Metal rods and screws to hold everything in place
The surgeon, an expert in this specific procedure, has graciously reduced his fee to $20,938. But the hospital costs alone will be $50,000-60,000 with no discounts or payment plans available. Combined with the thousands she's already spent just trying to get diagnosed and monitored, this $70,000+ price tag feels insurmountable.
We have a small window. After that, the damage may be irreversible.
This isn't just about stopping the pain. This surgery can:
- Prevent permanent paralysis and quadriplegia
- Stop the progression before she loses bladder and bowel control
- Restore the spark that made her an exceptional caregiver
- Give her back the ability to be fully present for Jack and Piper
- Allow her to be there when Jack steps up to bat at his first little league game and when Piper waves goodbye on her first day of kindergarten
The Road Ahead
Post-surgery, she faces 6-12 months of intensive recovery. She won't be able to drive, lift objects, or do many everyday tasks. We've made plans and commitments for her care during this time, but first, we need to get her to surgery.
Why We Need You and How You Can Help
Ciera has spent her entire adult life in service to others:
- Volunteering to deploy to Iraq as a Marine when her country needed her
- Risking her life as a frontline COVID worker despite being immunocompromised
- Helping to save lives as an ICU Registered Dietician
- Raising two incredible children against all odds
We're racing the clock, and your support could mean the difference between stability and irreversible damage.
- Donate any amount - Every dollar brings her closer to surgery
- Share this campaign - Your network might include the person who saves her life
- Send prayers and encouragement - Your support matters in every form
Whether you can donate $5 or $500, share this campaign, or simply send prayers and positive thoughts – everything matters. You're not just funding a surgery. You're giving a Marine, a healer, and a mother the chance to keep fighting.
A Personal Message from Ciera
"I've always prided myself on being strong — for my patients, for my kids, for my country. But right now, I need help to keep going. This surgery isn't just about me — it's about being here for Jack and Piper, and living without pain for the first time in years."
A Final Call to Action
I've watched Ciera face down every challenge life has thrown at her with good humor and grit. Volunteering to serve in the toughest branch in the US military and making it through the Crucible. Raising her hand and making sure she went to Iraq. Fighting through unimaginable pain to care for critical patients, daily exposing herself to COVID and other sickness. Tirelessly showing up for her kids...these are just a few highlights.
Now she needs us to form a corps and back her. Will you be part of that corps?
With gratitude and hope,
Kyle
Please share this campaign. Time is critical, and every share could be the one that saves her life.
#MedicalFundraiser #EhlersDanlos #CraniocervicalInstability #Marine #SingleMom
