Help Michelle Nieves

On June 26, 2019, local resident Michelle Nieves, will again undergo the first of two more major surgeries, one to repair a hole in her heart and a second brain surgery. Michelle suffers from Chiari and Tethered Cord syndrome, two serious brain and spinal cord conditions that have left her with severe pain over the last 10 years.  She will be undergoing two surgeries, first a surgery to repair a hole in her heart and then a surgery on her skull to close cracks which are allowing spinal fluid to leak and leaving her in dramatic pain 24/7.

Michelle has lived in Truckee with her husband for over 30 years. They have three daughters and one granddaughter.  She began her medical journey in 2008 when she discovered the Chiari and had her first surgery on her spine in 2009.  Her next surgery to release her spine occurred in 2015.  Her last surgery occurred at UCLA to expand the hole at the base of her skull.  For the last 24 months she has been in excruciating pain which is a result of the leaking of spinal fluid. 

Michelle has been unable to work more than a few days each week for the last 1 1/2 years.  She has applied for disability retirement due to the limitations she faces.  She and her husband both work to support their family but the progression of the disease has incapacitated Mi chelle.  We are asking for the community, who knows and loves them, to help Michelle and Martin to make this trip to Denver for two surgeries. The funds requested will cover airfare, hotel, meals and incidentals for the 10-day trip.

https://www.conquerchiari.org/index.html