Surgery for Erin

Hi my name is Stephanie Lewis I am trying to raise money to help cover expenses of a very rare surgery for one of the sweetest most selfless people I know. Erin Salerno was diagnosed eewith a rare disease. The Lord brought my family into her dance studio, I believe, to be an advocate, prayer warrior, and friend as she battles through this disease. She is needing a styloidectomy. I tried my best to describe everything she is going through but found I couldn’t begin to understand the depth of pain and agony she has endured for too long!

Erin’s jugular veins are being crushed causing her to have intercranial hypertension. The doctors will open the jugular veins allowing blood/oxygen to travel to the brain. They will remove the styloid bones and will also try to locate cranial leaks in the brain.

Cerebral spinal fluid is barely able to make it to the brain and what fluid does not come back down builds up pressure in the brain.

She needs surgery on both sides, but it is too dangerous to do both at one time. They will do the surgeries 6 weeks apart.

The IH is causing her to have a 24/7 headache that is not stopped with medicine. She has memory loss, seizures, fainting, her heart rate decreases to the low 30's, insomnia, ringing in the ears, pain in the neck, coughing and sometimes unable to breathe. Lastly, she has cervical instability at the brain stem level. Turning her head causes the jugular veins to be crushed even further. The nerves are being compressed in the process, as well. If the surgery doesn't happen she runs a high risk of having a stroke or getting meningitis. If left untreated, could possibly be fatal.

She will have to travel to Denver, CO because it's a rare condition that only a few drs in the US are educated in treating.

Erin has seen 23 neurologists in TX and 3 cardiologists and had ketamine infusions, a temporal biopsy, and ran the gamut of psychologists and neurologists at UTSW. This has become financially exhausting to her and her family

If you feel led, please consider donating to help with expenses towards this much needed surgery. Erin has an 18 year old daughter McKenna and many beautiful girls in her dance studio that she inspires everyday. She will win this fight, she just needs a little help...

Thank you for your consideration! If you cannot give please pray as we know and believe prayer with help carry her through this. Pray for the Lord to guide the doctors hands during surgery. Please share to help us meet our goal. #teamerin #prayerworks #miracleforerin