Hi, My name is Lelia Bradshaw and I’m organizing this GoFundMe for my friend Sarah, who has been dealing with a significant medical crisis that has impacted all areas of her life.

Sarah Grizzel is a mother, Orthodox Christian, and an educator. For several years, she been navigating a quiet and difficult battle with Tarlov Cyst Disease. These are fluid-filled sacs that form on the nerve roots of the spine; because they press directly on the nerves, they cause debilitating chronic pain, sensory loss, and neurological dysfunction.

While a surgery in 2019 provided great relief, the disease accelerated in November 2025. This condition is rare, leaving only a handful of specialists in the United States equipped to treat it. This led Sarah far from her home in SWVA to Philadelphia for specialized care.

Since February 2026, Sarah has undergone one primary surgery followed by two additional procedures for complications. This past Tuesday (April 14), Sarah underwent surgery to repair a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak and is currently still recovering in the Critical Care Unit in Philadelphia.

The Need for Support

While Sarah is deeply grateful for her professional career and the work she does, the reality of a prolonged medical crisis has created a significant financial burden. After six weeks of absence from her job at a university, short-term benefits substantially reduces her salary. Between the rising costs of specialized medical care and the travel expenses for her family and children to support her in Pennsylvania, the strain has become immense.

As a single mother, the "unknown" of her recovery timeline adds a heavy weight.

How You Can Help

Sarah says, “I believe that healing is coming for me”! We are humbly reaching out to ask for your support. Your donations will go directly toward:

• Travel and lodging for her family and children to remain by her side during this hospitalization and recovery.

• Medical expenses not covered by insurance.

• Everyday household stability while her income is reduced during this unforeseen long recovery period.

Every contribution, no matter the size, is a profound gift that allows Sarah to focus on the long road to health and returning to the family, community, and students she loves. Thank you for your kindness, your thoughts, continued prayers, and your generosity during this time of trial.