The other GoFundMe had some problems, so my friends Amy Munoz and Heather Hartrim-Lowe have organized a new one. Tomorrow is the day i am having my second brain surgery! We barely made it out here to Denver, because of the weather, but we are here!
We appreciate all of your support, it’s taking a lot to be here and the expense of the surgery itself. They need me to stay out here for two weeks to make sure there are no complications. Then I will have a 10 day follow up appointment with them where they will remove my staples and do an evaluation to clear me for the flight home. I also need to come back to CO in two months for a follow up appointment.
I’m using a cane now because I have developed some mobility and balance issues. I’m losing the fine motor skills in my hands too and barely able to write with a pen. My ability to do math and keep track of time is gone right now, adding 2+5 is beyond me and time is confusing. There is short term memory loss also. The headaches are nonstop because of the fluid blockage in my brain. Hopefully, this surgery will heal and restore those things or at least stop the progression and will greatly improve my quality of life.
We would like to cover January 15, 2024 in prayer for Shae as she goes in for her 2nd brain surgery. Please join us in praying for Shae: every part of her procedure and recovery, the doctors and nurses, hospital staff, hospital, operating room, recovery room, and Shae’s family. Let us pray that in all things God’s will be done.
Shae had brain decompression surgery in March 2021 for a rare condition called Chiari Malformation (kee-AH-ree mal-for-MAY-shun) Type I. Since then, Shae has experienced complications, including a leak and scar tissue that is growing like a weed at the site of the previous surgery.
Last year Shae had over 135 medical appointments which does not include the ER and urgent care visits. There have also been dozens of trips to the pharmacy and calls to doctors and insurance, not to mention all of the scheduling. It’s overwhelming!
Shae is going to a specialist in Colorado who is familiar with this rare complication. Shae hasn’t been able to work or return to school and needs support for travel to Denver and upcoming medical bills.
Shae’s 2nd surgery is scheduled for January 15th, 2024. The goal of this surgery is to remove the scar tissue and replace the initial duraplasty (the outer covering of the brain). The hope is to stop the cerebral spinal fluid leak. In addition, exploratory surgery will look for additional complications. After surgery Shae will need to stay in Colorado for ten days. At her ten-day follow-up exam, the doctors will assess her recovery and remove the staples before releasing her for travel home. Shae will also need to go back to Colorado for a follow up in two months.
Please consider helping Shae and her family financially as they navigate this extraordinary medical journey.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-shaes-brain-surgery-and-recovery
Weathering Chiari 