Hi, my name is Maddie Loges and I am currently fundraising for myself because I desperately need surgery in Europe as this surgery is not performed in the United States. Please read my journey below and open your heart to help if you are able. I have a rare brain condition called Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1. The brain sits too low in the skull and rests in the opening of the spinal cord. When this happens it restricts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid between the head and the spinal cord. There is no cure for Chiari Malformation and it is a progressive disease. As a result, it can cause multiple neurological issues. For me, it started June 3, 2024 - starting with numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. Since then, I have started experiencing pressure in my head, neck pain, nausea, severe back, arm, and leg pain. I can barely walk without feeling intense pain or lift anything. I would not wish this on anyone. I am so fortunate that I have advocated for myself and caught this as early as I have. People who often have this disease go months and even years living with these horrible life altering symptoms. I was finally able to get an MRI which revealed my diagnosis.Here in the States the remedy for this is brain surgery where they cut a chunk of your skull out, go in and cut through the cervical spine and then to go into the spinal column and cauterize the inside of it to create a larger opening for the spinal fluids to flow. It’s a seven-hour surgery with a very long stay in ICU and then an extremely long recovery. This is a painful and invasive brain surgery that does not come without complications and often times can make things worse, so you can see why I am not going that route. I have been praying to God to show me another way, to guide me to make the right decision. After much prayer and research I have decided to pursue a less invasive surgery at the Chiari & Siringomielia & Escoliosis de Barcelona. The Institute has shown some AMAZING results. I have been in contact with several patients who underwent the procedure and are very inspired by their journeys and outcomes. This is a 45-minute arthroscopic surgery and you are out of the hospital the next day. The surgery doesn’t even go near the brain, but instead clips a tendon at the bottom of the spine that creates tension all up and down the spine including the tonsil of the brain, causing much of the issue in the first place. I really am hopeful that I will again have the chance to live pain-free and regain mobility and mental function. I will be heading to Barcelona for 12 days. My physical evaluations and lab work will be done, then surgery, then recovery for 10 days after. Again, after much prayer and research, the Institute in Barcelona has some very promising results. I am anxious to put my health issues behind me and begin a new chapter, and be a voice for those who have Chiari 1 Malformation. Unfortunately, this surgery is not performed in the US, therefore, insurance will not cover the procedures. All medical costs will be paid out of pocket by me. As a recent college graduate and being new to the “adult” lifestyle, I am unable to pay this expense alone. I am fundraising to cover the out-of-pocket medical costs. Anything you can donate to help make this a reality would be a great blessing. I also appreciate and am so thankful for the prayers and support from everyone. If you are unable to contribute financially, I just ask that you share this and pray for me and others who suffer from this.
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