We are creating this fundraiser to support Kiptyn and his family during an incredibly difficult season.

Kiptyn is a funny, brave, military-loving little boy who has been diagnosed with Chiari malformation. This is when the back part of the brain extends down into the spinal canal. This causes compression on the brain stem and disrupts CSF flow.

Some people can have chiari and never have symptoms. But what it means for Kiptyn is very real: frequent headaches that are worse with straining, lifting and certain neck positions, neck pain, dizziness, nausea, numbness in his hands and feet, balance and coordination issues, days of extreme fatigue, trouble focusing, speech issues, emotional ups and downs, times of feeling like things are stuck in his throat….the list goes on.

While most of these symptoms aren’t outwardly visible, they have significantly affected his daily life and takes away days where he could otherwise be a wild and happy boy.

After consulting with multiple neurosurgeons and facing a hard decision no parent ever wants to make, Kiptyn’s parents have decided to move forward with surgery in hopes of giving him relief and a better quality of life. Kiptyn is scheduled to undergo decompression surgery on June 22 in New York City with Dr. Greenfield, one of the top chiari specialists in the country.

This surgery involves removing a small piece of his skull, opening the protective covering of the brain (the dura) and covering with a patch, and a laminectomy. All of this will give his brain more room and relieve the pressure that is causing Kiptyn’s symptoms and allow his CSF to flow normally.

Because the surgery is taking place out of state, Kiptyn and his parents will have to stay in New York City for approximately 2 weeks to allow for pre-op, surgery, hospitalization, follow-up appointments, and early recovery. Staying close to the hospital during this time is medically necessary, but lodging costs in New York City are high, especially for extended stays. The Ronald McDonald house is currently undergoing renovations so space is limited and not guaranteed.

This fundraiser is intended to help cover:

• Two weeks of hotel accommodations connected to the hospital

• Travel expenses to and from New York City (flights/taxi’s)

• Meals while away from home

• Lost income due to time off work

• Additional recovery-related expenses

Even with insurance covering medical care, these travel and lodging costs create a significant financial burden for the family.

Any donation (big or small) will directly help ensure Kiptyn can receive this specialized care while his family stays close by to support him during surgery and recovery. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or keeping Kiptyn in your thoughts and prayers is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for helping support our boy during this scary time.