Freedom From Headache Fund
My name is Lauren and I am
trying to raise funds to help support my journey toward the healing of my
headache. I have found a treatment that has been successful with my type
of headache. However, there are only a few people in the world who
perform this surgery and it is not covered by insurance. So I am humbly
asking my friends and family for support. Funds will be used to cover
medical bills and travel expenses (as the surgery will take place in Dallas,
TX). If any funds are raised beyond my goal the money will go toward
paying off medical bills accrued over the past five years and then donated to
headache research.
For those who do not know my
story - here it is.
On December 31, 2007,
unsuspectingly, my life changed - cut in two - life before my headache and life
with my headache.
Let me introduce you to my headache, my constant
companion for the past five years.
No, companion is too kind a word to give this headache "“ it has been
more like a constant nemesis. The
name the doctors have given is "New Daily Persistent Headache." Persistent. Continual. Unrelenting.
Merciless. Unpitying. Severe. Cruel. A headache that is always there, immune to medicines ranging
from over the counter pain relievers to migraine medications to narcotics. A headache that doesn't show up on
MRI's, CT scans, spinal taps, blood tests, or neurological testing. A headache untouched by infusions,
acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, or dietary restrictions. A headache that
has taken away my ability to run and exercise, or be mentally and emotionally
present with friends and family the way I used to be. A headache that has taken over my life and, in my mind,
defined me for five years.
You might not look at me and know how much this
headache has defined me. I have
refused to let it completely rule my life. Tom, my husband, and I did not let it rule when we wanted to
start a family. I have not let it rule when or where I could travel. I have not let it rule if I am going to
put a smile on my face. I don't
want to be seen as "Lauren with a headache." When, in fact, that is just how I
see myself. Not as Lauren a wife
or mom, or daughter, sister, cousin or friend:Lauren a runner or actor,
traveler or missionary. I see
myself as Lauren with a headache:Lauren who can't do what she used to do or be
who she used to be.
So that is why I am on this website, asking you to
partner with me financially and more importantly through prayer as I continue
to battle my foe. I found a doctor
in Dallas who is willing to do a "Trigger Point Release" surgery on me. This is not a guaranteed fix. However, through talking to the doctor
and nurses, my husband, parents, trusted friends and a lot of prayer, I know
this is something I need to do.
But I cannot do it alone.
I will be blessed by any support, financially,
through prayer and encouragement and honestly just by you reading my
story. So thank you. Thank you for your love and friendship
and for walking alongside me as I continue this journey toward healing.
If you have any questions please feel free to
ask. Also here is a link to the
website that explains more about the surgery.