Help Fight Christal Degraw's Battle

Hi, my name is Michelle. I am starting this fundraiser for my beautiful cousin Christal.

It was a short time ago (July 2023) that I was visiting her and she was complaining of dizziness... fast forward to today (September 2023) she has a brain tumor. Now ordinarily this type of brain tumor is an easy peasy surgery. Today we found out she may go deaf, lose half of her function on the right side of her face, or worse... end up in ICU. These outcomes are not OKAY! I would like to raise money to help her find the right care and possible alternatives, and help pay for medical bills, and her family is going to need additional assistance as she hasn't been able to work and does not know if she will be able to anytime soon.

Christal's diagnosis is vestibular schwannoma.

A vestibular schwannoma is a noncancerous tumor that grows in the ear and affects hearing and balance. It is also known as an acoustic neuroma. These tumors are usually slow-growing and arise from Schwann cells, which wrap around and support nerve fibers. They form along the branches of the eighth cranial nerve, which leads from the brain to the inner ear and plays important roles in both hearing and balance. The most common symptom of vestibular schwannomas is hearing loss on the side of the tumor, which occurs in 90% of patients. Other symptoms include balance problems, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo (dizziness), and facial numbness or weakness.

Unfortunately, Christal has already lost taste on half of her tongue, can not drive due to dizziness and vertigo, and the tumor is wrapped around the nerve so much so that the nerve has to be cut. This surgery may result in complete loss of hearing, feeling in her face, and permanent damage. Already, Christal can not drive her children to practices, games, or doctor appointments, she can not drive to the store to pick up groceries, and she can not actively participate in her normal wifely or momma duties. Her life has shifted and changed significantly in such a short amount of time.

She has a wonderful family of four. An awesome and amazing husband, Monte, and three kids Tyler, Alex, and Clayton. I just love this family. Tyler has the biggest heart, Alex is an extraordinarily gifted soccer player with a great head on her shoulders and Clayton just brightens a room when he walks in with his big smiles and hugs. I can not imagine the tragedy that they are going through right now and how awful it is for each and every one of them. I am just a cousin and I myself am devastated.

If you are unable to donate funds, I ask that you donate a prayer her her healing and that the Lord guides her to the right doctors and those who can heal her completely.