Help Shelby Receive Life-Saving Neurosurgery

My name is Katie Bullinger, and Shelby Yeagle is one of my very best friends. I am reaching out to ask for help on behalf of Shelby and her family as they face an incredibly difficult and urgent situation.

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A Life-Threatening Injury

In August 2025, Shelby suffered a severe neck injury during routine vestibular testing that ruptured her C1 and C2 ligaments, resulting in a condition called atlantoaxial instability (basically her head is no longer properly attached to her neck). This is a serious and life-threatening condition that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent spinal cord injury, vertebral artery dissection, or even death.

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A Life Turned Upside Down

Since this injury, Shelby’s life has been completely turned upside down. Once an incredibly active woman—working out six days a week, enjoying yoga and spin classes—she is now unable to participate in almost any physical activity. Even simple daily tasks have become overwhelming. She misses her gym community and friends so much. As one of her good friends, watching her quality of life change so drastically has been really heartbreaking.

Shelby is a devoted wife to her husband Lance of 20 years, who has been a constant source of strength and support through this journey. She is also a loving mother to her two boys, Colson (18) and George (4), who each have felt the weight of this and need their mom healthy and present.

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A Critical Surgery & A Hope for Healing

After countless appointments and consultations with neurosurgeons, Shelby has finally found a surgeon who is skilled enough to take on her complex and high-risk case.

She is scheduled to undergo life-saving neurosurgery at Georgetown University Hospital on June 17th, which will fuse her C1 and C2 vertebrae.

This surgery offers real hope, not only for relief from her pain, but for the possibility of restoring her quality of life. With that being said, this surgery is also incredibly risky, being within millimeters of the brain stem. She will lose 50% of lateral head rotation due to the fusion and have to relearn even simple day to day movements that we often take for granted.

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Financial Hardship

Since October 2025, Shelby has been unable to work at the job she has faithfully dedicated herself to for 24 years. As a joint provider for her family, this loss of income—combined with mounting medical expenses—has created a significant financial burden.

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Daily Pain & Ongoing Suffering

On a daily basis, Shelby is enduring unimaginable pain and symptoms.

She experiences severe burning nerve pain in her mouth, tongue, throat, chest, and throughout her entire body due to cranial nerve damage. Her sense of taste has been altered, leaving a constant sour taste. She has lost the ability to feel hunger due to vagus nerve damage and has severe digestive issues.

She also suffers from intense eye pressure, neck pain, and extreme sensitivity that makes even sitting or being upright for extended periods unbearable. Most days, she is limited to lying on her side just to manage the pain.

This has been a nightmare for Shelby and her family—but there is hope.

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How You Can Help

As Shelby prepares for this life-changing surgery and a long road to recovery, we want to share how your generosity will make a tangible difference:

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How the Funds Will Be Used

Your generosity will go directly toward supporting Shelby’s surgery, recovery, and the many needs her family will face during this difficult time. Funds raised will help cover:

• Life-saving neurosurgery and hospital expenses

• Post-surgical rehabilitation and ongoing physical therapy

• 24/7 in-home care during the first three months of recovery

• Childcare support for her youngest son

• Supplementing lost income while Shelby is unable to work

• Housekeeping assistance to help ease the daily burden on her husband, Lance

• Adaptive equipment, including specialized recovery beds and chairs

• Treatment and rehabilitation for central sensitization syndrome

• Craniosacral therapy/acupuncture

Every donation will help relieve the financial stress on Shelby and her family, allowing them to focus on what matters most—her healing and recovery.

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Join Shelby’s Journey to Healing

Please consider being part of Shelby’s healing journey. If you feel led to give, share, or pray, we are deeply grateful—every act of support brings her one step closer to recovery.

If you are unable to donate, we ask for your prayers for healing, peace, and a successful surgery.

Please also consider sharing this page. Every share, prayer, and contribution truly makes a difference.

Let’s come together to support Shelby and her family, and Lord willing, help her on the road to recovery.