Support Avery's 9th Brain Surgery Journey

This is a gofundme for one strong little girl and her sweet family. Avery has had an extensive, medically complex journey in her 5 years of life. The Burkhart family is always rallying behind other medical families in their time of need and it’s time we return the favor and support them as they embark on yet another brain surgery for Avery. They will be traveling to New York for her 9th surgery on May 28th and will need to take time off work and be away from their other children during this time. Please help us take the financial burden away from them, any little bit helps. Feel free to read on for Avery’s full story.

At just 11 months old, Avery was rushed to the ER due to lethargy and acting unlike herself. Tests revealed a cyst a bit bigger than the size of a golf ball on her brain and severe hydrocephalus. Avery ended up undergoing 3 brain surgeries in just a month and was given a VP shunt to relieve pressure. The next year was a whirlwind with multiple ER visits, hospital stays, tests, and two more surgeries. Her care was later transferred to St. Louis in order to get more answers for Avery’s ongoing and worsening condition. It was discovered that she had Chiari malformation, a rare condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. She then underwent yet another surgery to have a programmable shunt placed and her 1st bone only decompression. Addi and Hunter have done extensive research and advocated for the best care for their girl. As Avery’s symptoms continued to persist, they sought out another opinion in New York where Avery had yet another bone only decompression surgery. In March, they went for a routine check up and discovered her chiari condition worsened again, requiring another surgery in New York. Sweet Avery has undergone 8 total surgeries, multiple hospital stays, ER trips, and too many procedures to count. None of her specialists are local. Please pray hard for a successful surgery, comfort and peace for the entire family, and that this surgery brings Avery relief. It’s never easy to see your child go through so much pain and hurt. Please help us in removing the financial burden for this family that is so deserving.