Support Hollie's Journey to Life-Changing Surgery
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Hello! My name is Hollie, and I am blessed to be the wife of Nate and mom of two terrific kids, Emma and Ethan. One day in March of 2020, my life dramatically changed. I began to experience a long list of debilitating symptoms. I was no longer able to do even simple daily activities or take care of my family.
An MRI revealed that I have a condition called Chiari 1 Malformation, where the back of the brain (cerebellum) herniates through the base of the skull and wedges down into the spinal canal (neck), causing many serious problems. We thought we had found the main culprit for my symptoms, and I had two brain surgeries in hope of finding relief.
As time went on, however, my extreme pain and long list of symptoms got worse instead of better. Doctors didn’t understand why. We prayed and researched and saw many, many specialists from the West Coast all the way to the East Coast.
Four years later, I finally have a diagnosis!
I have a connective tissue disorder which causes my ligaments to be weak. As a result, I have major instabilities in my spine, affecting critical structures:
- Craniocervical instability (skull to C1)
- Atlanto-axial instability (C1-C2)
- Sub-axial instability (the rest of my cervical spine)
This means that the ligaments that are supposed to hold my head on the spine as well as the ligaments that hold the rest of my cervical spine in place are damaged and not doing their job. Because of this, my skull and the vertebrae in my neck slide out of place. My brainstem is being compressed, jugular vein pinched, and my spinal cord is over-stretched. Not only do I have severe burning and stabbing nerve pain throughout my entire body but also problems with my muscles that include weakness, cramping, numbness, twitching, buzzing, and temporary paralysis of limbs. Dizziness, nausea, choking and swallowing difficulties, blurry vision, brain fog, headaches, extreme fatigue, and difficulty breathing are all part of my daily battle. Craniocervical, Atlanto-axial, and Sub-axial instability is a severe, life-altering, disabling combination of conditions and, if not treated promptly, could cause permanent and irreversible damage to my spinal cord and disability. I continue to get worse with each passing day.
So, I need a Craniocervical multi-level fusion from C0-T2 to stabilize my spine. This surgery would halt the progression of damage to my spinal cord, allow my body to heal, and give me the best chance of getting back to living a more normal life with my family. This is a very difficult procedure and there are only a few neurosurgeons in the world who specialize in treating patients with my combination of disorders… and none of them accept insurance. The neurosurgeon who I have the most confidence and trust in, Dr. Gilete, is across the globe in Barcelona, Spain.
I will have to stay in Barcelona for 2-3 months. While there, I will need further testing, including Halo traction testing as well as specialized imaging and evaluation for Tethered Cord Syndrome because I show many signs of having that disorder as well. If I test positive for tethered (spinal) cord, then I will need an additional surgery: Tethered Cord Release Surgery.
The cost of surgery, airfare, lodging, and food will come to at least $160,000. This is a daunting number, but I know that God has a plan for my life, and I rest in the fact that He is with me every step of the way.
Would you consider helping me get to Barcelona for life-changing surgery with Dr. Gilete? Any amount helps. My family and I are deeply grateful!
Please share this link with anyone you think may be interested. And above all, please continue to uphold my family in prayer.
With a thankful heart,
Hollie Garner
To learn more about my disorders, the following websites offer great information:
Organizer
Hollie Garner
Organizer
Spokane, WA