Help Elizabeth Fight Tarlov Cyst Disease

My baby sister Elizabeth (Cannady) English is an amazingly talented Reiki Master, Registered Nurse, and busy mom of twins. Right now, she and her family are enduring considerable health and financial hardships. They are in dire need of your support.

Elizabeth has been diagnosed with Tarlov Cyst Disease, which affects less than 4% of the population. Only five doctors in the United States are trained to handle these complex cases. In just six months, she has transformed from an active mom of two to incapable of walking unassisted due to chronic pain and the side effects of her medications. Because Elizabeth’s legs can give out without warning, she is mostly home-and bed-bound. Elizabeth misses teaching and helping her clients and being fully engaged in her active eight-year old twins’ lives.

In June 2024, Elizabeth lost sensation in her legs while showering. This was the start of over $7,100 in out-of-pocket medical expenses. Just before she met her annual deductible, Elizabeth’s insurance coverage started over in October. To date, Elizabeth’s out-of-pocket expenses include prescriptions, three MRI’s, one CT scan, two x-rays, four diagnostic injections, and over 25 doctor appointments since June.

A talented Dallas surgeon has agreed to perform Elizabeth’s anticipated surgery in Jan. 2025. While Elizabeth is excited about the prospects the surgery could bring, the procedure will rack up additional expenses, including:

These expenses-in addition to the $10,000+ in additional costs-mean Elizabeth has much more on her plate than just healing. The English family is struggling on one income, and Elizabeth’s family estimates April 2025 is the earliest she could resume working part time. It’s also possible that-even after her surgery-Elizabeth’s sensations may never return, but her current pain and limited movement cannot be sustained long-term.

Despite her trials, Elizabeth is hopeful and thankful.

As her big sister, I am encouraging the Fredonia community-and other communities in which Elizabeth has lived, worked, and shared her gifts-to support her in her time of need. Your donations will serve as a shelter from the storm for the English family. Our family is grateful for gifts of all amounts to support Elizabeth and her family in their journey.

Please join us in surrounding Elizabeth with love and support! Thank you for helping Elizabeth through donations, shares of this page, and prayers. We welcome them all and are so grateful for your help in sharing this message.