Kayleigh McGlocklin is a beautiful, funny, smart , and talented 10 year old.  She should be doing all the things she loves to do like dancing, playing with friends, going to school, reading, etc..    Kayleigh was diagnosed with Complex Chiari Malformation 1.5 in 2012.   Later that year her younger sister Alannah was also diagnosed with it.   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 causing many symptoms.   In Kayleigh and Alannah’s situation the brain stem also herniated out of the skull.  She underwent her first brain surgery to  decompress the pressure in her brain in Aug. 2012.   Since then she has had 2 other surgeries and a multitude of health issues such as severe headaches that keep her in a dark room barely able to move due to the pain, blurred vision, dizziness, difficulty breathing, etc.   She can no longer endure going to school daily and sitting in a classroom or even playing with a friend some days.    On Aug 31st, Kayleigh will undergo another surgery in Salt Lake City, Utah to re decompress the pressure in her head and then fuse her skull to the 2nd vertabrae with the use of screws plates and a bone graft of two of her ribs to stabilize the junction between her head and neck.   3 days later she will have an additional surgery to remove the front part of her 2nd cervical vertebrea which is putting pressure on her brainstem and causing problems.  Kayleigh's parents, Colleen and Shannon, have found a Dr. with very good success rates with the type of Chiari and instability that Kayleigh has.   While the surgeries are very extensive, there is great hope that Kayleigh will once again be able to live the life a 10 year should have.   Chiari has been a very expensive journey with never ending medical bills.  Alannah has also had surgeries and serious health issues related to Chiari and will most likely need additional surgery as well.     The trip to Salt Lake will require airfare, a week or more hotel stay, transportation, food, dog care/supplies for Kayleigh’s service dog Charlie, and other needs. 

I am so proud to be Kayleigh’s God Mother.  She is one brave and tough girl!    I live too far away to physically be able to help the way I wish I could and I know so many friends and family that feel the same way.  Colleen would never ask but I am …..if there is any help you can give to help them on this trip it would be appreciated.  No donation is too small and can be done anonymously if preferred.   Please know that the biggest gifts you can give however are your prayers and well wishes for the family.    You can get more detailed information about the girls battle with Chiari and receive updates on Kayleigh’s upcoming  surgery at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alannahandkayleighmcglocklin