Support Brooke's Brain Surgery and Recovery

Support Brooke for her Brain Surgery

Hello.

I’m Tracy and I’ve started this fundraiser for my daughter Brooke Carver, who has to have brain surgery.

Brooke currently lives in Mito, Japan, with her twin sister Paige. They bravely left home and went there over 7 years ago to live and be AETs that teach English as a second language.

In April of 2024, Brooke was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease after having to go to the hospital for numerous TIAs (transient ischemic attacks) and suffering from migraines. She has since been back and forth and admitted to the hospital with several more TIAs. It has now come to the point of having surgery to manage it.

Moyamoya disease is a rare, chronic, and progressive cerebrovascular disorder that affects blood vessels in the brain. The name is Japanese and means "puff of smoke," which describes the tangled appearance of tiny blood vessels that form to compensate for blocked arteries at the base of the brain. The disease narrows or blocks the internal carotid arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially damaging the brain.

The only effective treatment for Moyamoya disease is cerebral revascularization by an extracranial to intracranial bypass. Surgery for Moyamoya disease is offered to prevent neurologic deterioration from strokes. Two types of surgical approaches are offered for patients with Moyamoya: direct and indirect revascularization.

For Brooke, she has to have BOTH direct and indirect revascularization surgery.

She is scheduled to have this surgery on April 22 in Japan. Paige will be the one caring for her since they are on the other side of the world from their family and will also be missing work. Right now, the doctor says to count on Brooke being out of work and recovering for at least 4 weeks, more than likely longer.

We are hoping to help ease the burden in this scary and uncertain time for both Brooke and Paige with this fundraiser. The money raised will go towards bills and the medical costs Brooke incurs from the surgery. All donations, prayers, shares are appreciated