Support Ashlyn's Urgent Surgery for a Better Future

"For those that don't know me, I'm Ashlyn. I'm a musician, makeup artist, dog and cat parent to Pudge and Pippin, an auntie/god parent to eight beautiful babies, and family to so many. I love my community. I love Milwaukee. And right now, I really need my community's help.

Ive been disabled since I was a teenager with several conditions. I have had two brain surgeries to relieve compression in my brain stem, spinal cord, and brain from Chiari Malformation (a malformation of the skull that often times leads to the bottom part of the brain herniating outside of the skull). During my second brain surgery, I also underwent a spine fusion from my skull-C3 to correct instability in my neck from CCI (cranial cervical instability) and from removing my C2 due to it being pitched backwards and digging into my brainstem.

I also have a condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) which is an autonomic dysfunction disorder. Essentially, my body doesn't know how to circulate blood; regulate temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate; and that leads to me having episodes where my heart rate spikes, blood pressure drops, or my heart rate is too low.

After my second brain surgery/spinal fusion, most of my POTS symptoms went away. I'd still have bad days (especially during the summers), but it wasn't ruling my life. Unfortunately, in August 2024, I felt a sensation I hadn't felt in years. I got dizzy, shaky, cold, and felt my legs getting weak. I was able to lay down and recover, but as the fall months came around, the flare ups started happening more. And eventually I started experiencing bradycardic (low heart rate) episodes. That's when I realized I may be experiencing spine/brain stem compression.

My neurosurgeon ordered scans, and we discovered my neck fusion has fractures in the largest part of my fusion. As of right now, the hardware in my neck is stable, but it's critical I have surgery sooner than later to prevent it from becoming unstable. My doctors also believe my heart issues could be a result of my neck issues. If the heart issues are corrected with this surgery, it would prevent me from needing a pace maker in the future.

Ive been battling a lot with my current situation. Because I have the most amazing support system with people who take care of me and love me, but I live in a body that is so complex and in a country that limits my ability to get the care I desperately need.

With everything that is going on in the world, it feels like a daunting task. But I'm hopeful with the people I have in my life that I will come out of this stronger with the support of my community.

To my loved ones: family, friends, community, donors, thank you. Thank you for your words of encouragement, love through action, and willingness to help me through an incredibly challenging time in my life. You give me so much hope. I'm forever grateful.

With all my love,

Ashlyn"

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First Goal: $32,606.00

This is the absolute amount we need to raise. This amount is the cost PRE-surgery, just to get Ashlyn in the door.

This breaks down to $16,392.00 for the individual surgeon billing and $16,214.00 for the hospital billing.

Second Goal: $36,000.00

This would pay for the hotel stay for Ashlyn and their caregiver post operation.

Final Goal: $40,000.00 +

This covers transportation to and from the medical facility for Ashlyn and their caregiver along with food and any necessities that may come up while away from home.

Any additional funds will go directly to paying the remaining portion of the $35,351.00 that Ashlyn will be responsible for post operation.

Facebook event for Fundraiser for Ashlyn