Help Colleen Fight MALS

After years of unexplained debilitating symptoms, our dear friend, Colleen, was finally diagnosed in August 2024 with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS), a rare and complex condition that manifests as excruciating epigastric pain exacerbated by just a few bites of food or simple activity. We’re seeking your help to offset the financial strain this has exacted on Colleen and her husband, Nat.

As a wife and mother of two daughters, Colleen forfeits ordinary events we take for granted: college drop-offs, holidays and vacations, family dinners, and walks with friends. Her world has been reduced to the bed or couch, unable to do most activities of daily living.

MALS has also put Colleen’s professional pursuits on hold. After two decades as an elementary Montessori teacher, Colleen pursued a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of Rochester. Sadly, MALS cut short this dream.

In January 2025, Colleen underwent a high-risk surgery in Cleveland, OH. While the procedure offered hope, recovery has been unpredictable and challenging, and often takes a year or more. To support her during this critical time, Nat has taken leave from work to care for her. With a 60-80% success rate, we remain hopeful that Colleen will regain her quality of life.

Why We Need Your Help

As you can imagine, this journey has come with immense financial strain. Due to the rarity of MALS, finding an experienced surgeon required traveling out of state. Colleen’s health insurance only covers local services, leaving most of her specialized care unreimbursed and out-of-pocket. Combined with their loss of income, the financial burden is overwhelming.

We are reaching out to ask for your support. Your donation, no matter the size, will help ease this financial hardship and allow Colleen to focus on healing. If you're unable to give, simply sharing this request can help spread the word and bring much-needed relief.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness and support.

More about MALS

The median arcuate ligament compresses the celiac artery and celiac plexus nerves, causing:

For more information, visit malsfoundation.org