Amanda J Bailey: Life Saving Brain Surgery Fund

Please read on to hear the story that has led to us to this critical juncture.  Amanda has been informed  this brain surgery, a Suboccipital Craniotomy , on May 2 is of dire necessity as her condition is fatal, and the operation may save her life.

My oldest daughter, Amanda Jackson Bailey, began having migraines.  When an MRI of her brain was ordered 3 masses were discovered: a Pituitary Tumor, a Pineal Cyst and an Epidermoid tumor.  She was told that the tumors had been there since she was born and were NOT a health issue for her.  Her last MRI showed a growth of the tumor, and Amanda knew something wasn't right. Her symptoms had progressively grown worse: migraines so severe they knock her to her knees, lack of coordination, slurred speech, blurred/double vision, muscle weakness, tingling in her extremities, difficulty concentrating, loss of feeling in her limbs, and extreme debilitating fatigue.

When Amanda sought another opinion at Rush University in Chicago, Illinois, with one of their neurosurgeons  with 25 years experience, he determined immediately that the tumor has grown substantially  and needs to be removed. Her Epidermoid tumor/cyst is located in her 4th ventricle near her brain stem and cerebellum.  Though it is not malignant, it is creating pressure on the vital parts of her brain and  is blocking the flow of cerebral fluid.  It is imperative to remove the tumor as soon as possible because it will be fatal if not removed.

Her surgery and recovery time will be substantial, time in ICU and the hospital, 6 weeks of immobility and up to 6 months before she is able to do normal "life".  It requires her husband who is working out of state to take off work to help care for their three young children at home.  

Please consider making a contribution to this beautiful daughter, wife, sister, and mother.  Help her insure that she will be with us for years to come.