Urgent Help Needed to Support Major Neck Surgery!

Hello,

My name is Hannah Byrne. I live in my hometown of Canberra, Australia. I need urgent cervical spinal (neck) fusion surgery, and I'm hoping that you can help!

At the end of 2018, I developed an incredibly rare form of Dropped Head Syndrome, which within five days left me unable to lift my chin off my chest for any length of time without the support of my hands. Most people who develop Dropped Head Syndrome are older or have certain conditions that I have tested negatively for. Much to my dismay, it simply cannot be explained.

My head position.

Since its onset five and a half years ago, my condition has progressively deteriorated, and now I need an extensive cervical spinal fusion to correct the deformity and hopefully prevent further neurological damage. I already experience numbness and weakness in my arms and left leg, which is also associated with severe pain. More recently I’ve started noticing that my balance is failing me, so I’m using walking aids increasingly to move around safely.

A recent x-ray of my cervical spine.

My condition is complicated by a genetic connective tissue disorder called Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and because of this, I will need to be in an inpatient rehabilitation facility for some time before it will be safe to return home.

I miss my life as it was before I became disabled! I even just miss being able to look someone in the eye as I talk with them, or going out without fear of falling because I can't see further than two metres away. I also miss simply being able to go into the community without facing the various degrees of curiosity about my disabilities.

Whilst I’m worried about what the future holds for me, I still do my best to pass my time working with charities to make items for infants and children receiving hospital treatment, running a small business dedicated to helping people who have feeding tubes and other various medical equipment long term. I’m also studying part-time and I volunteer sorting donations at a local charity.

All funds raised will go to:

Any leftover funds will be used to pay for the associated expenses of staying interstate such as additional petrol and toll fees.

Thank you for reading my story! I hope that you will donate what you can, as I truly appreciate every dollar!

Best wishes,

Hannah xx