Those that know Clara Brown see her radiate joy, embody kindness, and make friends wherever she goes. She is now about to embark on the most difficult journey of her 11-year life - multiple major spinal surgeries.
Clara was born with severe scoliosis, with several fused and missing vertebrae in her cervical and thoracic spine, and missing ribs. Her spinal cord is also kinked just below the neck. Simply put, Clara has an incredibly complex core bone structure that has impacted several of her body’s systems, including neurologic damage and severely decreased lung function. The spinal team at Seattle Children’s has 3D-printed Clara’s spine to study and plan the safest approach.
Surgeries Begin in May
Traction: Clara will be admitted into Seatle Children’s Hospital in early May to be placed in halo gravity traction, a metal ring attached to her skull that applies gradual tension to her spine over several weeks in the hospital. This allows slow correction so her spinal cord can adapt safely. She will be closely monitored neurologically, with frequent imaging.
Vertebral Separation: There may be a second surgery to separate fused vertebrae if necessary. This will be determined once she is in traction.
Spinal Fusion: The final and most complex surgery involves removing the apex of the deformity and placing rods to stabilize the spine.
Recovery: Best case—with no complications—we anticipate:
- About one month in the hospital
- Several weeks at home for recovery
- A brace for several months afterward
How You Can Help: Clara and her mom, Caity, need all our help with love, prayers, and support. Clara’s family has started this Go Fund Me to help with the additional financial burden she will undoubtedly face, including deductibles, gas, lodging, and other expenses not covered by insurance. Our goal is to raise $10,000 for Clara. Funds raised will go directly to Caity to help with these expenses. With the amount of love Clara has received throughout her young life, we have no doubt we can exceed this.
Please share this Go Fund Me page with your family and friends.
With successful surgeries, Caity says “She might be small, but she will be safe.”
Thank you for your support and for loving her.
- Clara’s Family
