Chiari Warrior

Asking for help is not easy or fun. As a single mom of 4, there’s almost nothing I can’t handle. We haven’t had an easy life but until now we have managed. We have no family, which makes our situation even harder. But please read this.

This request is the most important document I’ve ever written.

My name is Lisa. I spent my life helping people. I worked in a hospital helping bring babies into the world. I helped at a plasma donation center. I was the one that could help.

Now I need help.

My children and I have a few rare conditions, both neurological and genetic, with a blanket of secondary conditions. I will explain some of this below, but I want to explain why I need your help first.

When you have a cold, you visit your regular doctor. When several things start going wrong, navigating the situation gets confusing quickly. The older I get, the more I realize that there are things that a person just can’t understand unless it happens to you. In this case, just picture the most complicated organizational chart you can. This is my life now. It revolves around medical issues and I’m in the middle, directing all the traffic.




I live in Illinois, but my Neurosurgeon is in Arkansas and he found issues that can only be addressed with surgery. Since this is out of state, my insurance will not cover the costs. All of this is out of pocket.

The surgery is to treat infection and to replace a lumbar shunt that is leaking. This is leading to a strain on my other organs and I need to fix it. It’s terrifying to think that money is the one thing keeping me from getting help. Medical care shouldn’t be for the wealthy.

Travel, lodging, medical costs, and more will come directly from me. I just can’t afford it and I am sincerely asking for you to make a donation on our behalf.

First, Chiari malformation – affects the brain and spinal cord. Syringomyelia affects the spinal cord and nerves. EDS affects the skin, joints, and blood vessels. We all have disorders, but the disorders also present additional problems for each of us in different ways. My youngest child also has cystic fibrosis, and his pancreas is failing.

My kids are amazing and positive. They always find ways to make others smile. They make art, enjoy nature, and advocate for others. Their lives are hard, but their resilience keeps us strong.

Thank you for considering this request. This surgery is not only for me but also life-altering for my entire family and will allow me to continue their important medical care as well.

We appreciate you more than we can express!