Support Elliana's Journey to Healing

As many of you know, we’ve been on a journey to understand what’s been happening with Elliana. Over the past months, she’s experienced what appeared to be seizures, along with headaches, nausea, random episodes of body pain and shifts in her mood. After many tests and evaluations, we received a diagnosis in early September: Elliana has Chiari Malformation with Syringomyelia. While they’ve ruled out active seizures for now, she is high risk for developing seizures and she’ll need ongoing monitoring.

This news has been incredibly difficult for us to process as a family. As a mother, there is nothing harder than seeing your child in pain and knowing there is only so much you can do. After careful consideration, the specialists at Cincinnati Children’s have recommended brain decompression surgery for Elliana in November. The thought of her undergoing such a procedure is overwhelming, but we are holding on to hope that this will bring her relief and reduce the progression of the disorder.

The surgery will involve a week-long stay in Ohio and several weeks of recovery once we’re home. Understandably, this has brought not only emotional strain but also a significant financial burden. As many of you know I am not one to ask for help and there are more people in need then us. However, many of you have asked how you can help, and though we’re still coming to terms with everything, a few have suggested setting up a space for donations to ease the pressure of what we are facing and to have easy transition back home for her recovery. However, more than anything, we deeply appreciate your prayers, calls, and words of encouragement. Elliana also loves getting cards and mail. Your love and support mean the world to us and bring comfort during these uncertain times.

Thank you for walking with us through this journey.

With love and gratitude,

The Maffei Family