Kalen Maine's Fight Against Chiari
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Kalen Maine was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation in February 2011 at the age of 4. Chiari Malformation is a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine.
Kalen had suffered for many months with headaches, numbness of the hands and feet, severe leg pain, eating issues, fatigue, and bladder control issues.
Since then, Kalen has undergone several intense medical procedures in an attempt to alleviate the pain and discomfort that Chiari Malformation has caused him.
On March 26, 2012, Kalen had decompression surgery in Chicago, Illinois. This is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the base of the skull and spine. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Since Kalen's surgery, many of his symptoms have remained or even worsened. He still suffers from headaches, leg pain, bladder control issues, and swallowing issues. He now also suffers from back pain, bowel control issues, fatigue, and memory issues. It is hard for him to be a normal 7-year-old boy.
Currently, Kalen and his parents, Jake & Stephanie Maine, are at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, where Kalen is undergoing tests, scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. So far, they have been told that Kalen will need a second decompression surgery, as well as a tethered cord surgery. The two surgeries will be performed at the same time.
All of the money raised from this page will go toward Kalen's medical bills, as well as the extensive travel and hotel costs that the family has endured.
Thank you to everyone in our community who as reached out to our family during our time of need. Jake & Steph are truly humbled and so grateful for all of you.
Kalen had suffered for many months with headaches, numbness of the hands and feet, severe leg pain, eating issues, fatigue, and bladder control issues.
Since then, Kalen has undergone several intense medical procedures in an attempt to alleviate the pain and discomfort that Chiari Malformation has caused him.
On March 26, 2012, Kalen had decompression surgery in Chicago, Illinois. This is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the base of the skull and spine. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Since Kalen's surgery, many of his symptoms have remained or even worsened. He still suffers from headaches, leg pain, bladder control issues, and swallowing issues. He now also suffers from back pain, bowel control issues, fatigue, and memory issues. It is hard for him to be a normal 7-year-old boy.
Currently, Kalen and his parents, Jake & Stephanie Maine, are at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, where Kalen is undergoing tests, scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. So far, they have been told that Kalen will need a second decompression surgery, as well as a tethered cord surgery. The two surgeries will be performed at the same time.
All of the money raised from this page will go toward Kalen's medical bills, as well as the extensive travel and hotel costs that the family has endured.
Thank you to everyone in our community who as reached out to our family during our time of need. Jake & Steph are truly humbled and so grateful for all of you.
Organizer
Betsy Mays
Organizer
Wilton, IA
