Chiari Warrior Emma

Hi, my name is Cody Hartford. I’m creating this fundraiser on behalf of my wife, Emma. Two months ago my wife was diagnosed with a rare brain disease Chiari Malformation.

Chiari Malformation is a condition in which a part of the brain extends into the spinal canal. This puts pressure on parts of the brain and the spinal cord and can block the flow of spinal fluid. It occurs when part of the skull is misshapen or smaller than is typical, pressing on the brain and forcing it downward. The only treatment is surgery to decompress the area. Due to her severity of symptoms and blockage of her spinal fluid, as well as so much pressure shifting her brain stem and brain being wrapper around her spinal cord, her neurosurgeon recommends decompression surgery. They are going to remove a portion of her skull, open up the dura and cauterize the part of the brain extending into the spinal canal and remove C1. Although the surgery is not a cure-all, it will significantly help improve Emma’s symptoms.

She struggles daily with severe headaches, severe neck pain, dizziness and memory loss. She also struggles with head pressure, fatigue, blurred vision, mini strokes, nausea, and the list goes on. She does things at a pain level others wouldn’t even consider moving at because we have two young daughters that she is devoted to and is a stay at home mom to.

She has been suffering in pain for quite some time, and now we finally have an answer, Chiari Malformation. It has been a long hard year and a much longer road ahead as surgery is scheduled to be completed in October.

Her surgery is very costly even with insurance. I will also be unable to work for several weeks after surgery to take care of her and our two young daughters and will be without pay during this time period. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you financially can't donate at this time, please remember Emma in your prayers.

Also, if we are able to raise enough, we would love to hold a BBQ once Emma’s surgery is finished and she is fully healed and recovered.

Thank you!