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Support Spinal Surgery in Spain

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TL;DR - I, Linda Forrest, am suffering from multiple neurological conditions and need to go to Spain for surgery, which will cost mucho dineros. Any and all generous contributions gratefully accepted!

The slightly longer version of the story - I have had a 15+ year journey to get diagnosed with multiple rare neurological conditions including Chiari Malformation I , Filum Disease and cysts on my spinal cord.

Countless MRIs and hospital stays, a lumbar puncture, an epidural blood patch, all the medications, acupuncture, sleep studies, blood tests, supplements, Botox, chiropractic treatments, osteopathy… I have done it all to no avail. I’m in constant daily pain - crippling headaches, occasionally passing out from the pain (which has left me variously with broken bones and concussions), nausea, dizziness, fatigue, unsteady gait, nerve pain… it’s made my quality of life miserable, especially since 2019, which is when I went on long term disability leave from my job. I’m not able to participate in life the way that I want to, which is difficult for my whole family. I am not interested in pursuing the typical surgery approach offered in North America as it’s largely unsuccessful, rife with complications and works only to alleviate symptoms for a brief period and often this major brain surgery, decompression, needs to be done repeatedly.

I stumbled upon an Instagram video about a surgical procedure offered in Spain that is having excellent results for people that suffer with the same chronic conditions as me. As with many rare diseases, there are only a few experts worldwide that are devoted to research and finding solutions for the patients who are suffering the effects. The Institut Chiari de Barcelona has a patented surgery that takes care of the root cause of my neurological disorders and gives me great hope that I can get some improvement in my quality of life.

I have booked my surgery for the middle of October. The cost of the surgery, follow up and special medications is around $30,000 CDN, not including flights, hotel, food, etc. My wonderful husband Jack is coming along to support me during the surgery prep, operation and 10 days of post-op recovery before I get the all clear to return home.

Any contributions will be gratefully accepted! Thanks in advance for your generosity!








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Donations 

  • Margaret Greene
    • $75
    • 1 yr
  • Andrew Lauzon
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Elizabeth Daugherty
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Pauline Carroll
    • $50
    • 1 yr
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Organizer

Linda Forrest
Organizer
Kingston, ON

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