Support Alyce's Fight Against Chiari Malformation

Hi, My name is Shelby Curry. I am creating this fundraiser for my mom Alyce Curry. My mom is a nurse and a teacher who raised me as a single parent. She has always worked hard to provide everything I needed while still being present to spend time with me. She is now having disabling medical issues and is unable to work. My heart hurts to see her so sick and struggle financially.

She started having weird symptoms, causing her vast amounts of pain and discomfort. She currently has six herniated discs in her spinal cord. Although she was experiencing severe health struggles, she continued to work until she became ill at work.  She started slurring her words while teaching, and her principal drove her home. The symptoms continued to increase in severity until she could no longer work at all. She began suffering from frequent migraines, paralysis of her face, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, and poor coordination. The most disabling symptom is called a "drop attack." She will be doing something, and she will hit the ground without warning. The drops attacks are scary for her, and she has been injured multiple times from these episodes. These attacks have made her unable to work or drive.

She currently has been out of work for three months. The whole time she has been seeing a Neurologist and Neurosurgeon in Baton Rouge. They found many problems, such as the six herniated discs that still need to be repaired but she was recently diagnosed with the cause of all of these issues; the name of the condition is Chiari Malformation. Chiari malformation (kee-AH-ree mal-for-MAY-shun) is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It occurs when part of the skull is misshapen or smaller than is typical, pressing on the brain and forcing it downward. Since this condition is an abnormal shape of the skull, the only treatment is surgery to make the skull bigger to make room for the brain. A neurologist and a cardiologist are currently clearing mom to have surgery. Her first surgery will be on her neck to replace the damaged discs with artificial ones and fuse the vertebrae with titian plates, so they stay in place. The surgery's primary goal is to provide stability and protection for the spinal cord. Currently, the vertebrae in her neck are pressing on her spinal cord, increasing the risk for damage. Once she has healed from that surgery, they will begin treating the Chiari malformation. The prognosis for her condition is very good with the proper treatment, but she will be unable to work for an undetermined time as of now.

Mom has used all of her sick leave from her teaching job. She no longer has income. She has no money to pay any of her bills. The financial burden is extremely hard for her because she can't improve the situation. She has always worked hard to meet her responsibilities, but now she can't control her body or condition. Also, she has to make frequent trips to Baton Rouge at least once a week. Sometimes she must stay overnight. She is also trying to find the money for the cost of treatment. She is fortunate to have her insurance through her employer, but there are still expenses for medical treatment. It is a dire predicament. She can't work until she is well but needs funds for bills and getting the necessary treatment.

I am helping my mom as much as possible, but it is not enough to meet her needs. Please consider giving to her cause. She is a good mom, nurse, and teacher. She looks forward to being healthy and returning to her career. I know she has touched many hearts through her nursing and teaching. My mom is a born-again Christian and believes God will meet her needs. I know He will as well. I am creating this gofund me to allow others to bless her and receive a blessing in the process. Please prayerfully consider giving to help my mom. If you financially can't donate at this time, please remember mom in your prayers.

Thank you!