Help Jenn with her everyday struggles with IIH

My name is Chris Cammalleri, and I have been married to my beautiful wife Jen for 18 years. Jen is a loving wife, mother to our three daughters, and grandma to our grandson. She has always made sure that her family is well taken care of and helped in providing for them. She is a very strong and independent woman who has selflessly put others’ needs before her own. These characteristics were shown frequently in her career as an EMT and caregiver. She strived to do her best, work hard, and serve others, never complaining of long hours or jobs that seemed impossible. It was a career that she loved. Several years ago, Jen was involved in a car accident that left her with a severely injured back and a traumatic brain injury. She has since suffered from debilitating headaches, loss of vision, confusion, chronic fatigue, seizures, and loss of balance and mobility to maneuver stairs. She has made numerous visits to the Emergency rooms and medical facilities for testing and treatments which eventually led to the diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, or IIH. This condition is brought on by increased pressure on the brain due to the backup of cerebrospinal fluid, which is the liquid that cushions the spinal cord. There is no clear determination of what causes this, and studies are ongoing. The many medications that Jen has tried have brought little relief and a multitude of side effects. It was recommended that she try a surgical procedure to implant a shunt in the ventricle of her brain to relieve the pressure of fluid buildup. Desperately hoping for some relief, she had this procedure at the Cleveland Clinic in June of this past year. Recovery has been slow and proved only partially successful. Jen still suffers from headaches, mental lapses, mobility issues that make it difficult to climb stairs, and exhaustion that can leave her bedridden for days. She has lost her sense of independence and self-worth as she struggles with not being able to help and support her family.

Right now, there is no known cure for IIH. We hope that with continued studies, better treatments will be brought to the forefront that will ease the pain and suffering of those who suffer from this disease.

We ask for your help with the financial burden as Jen continues to try new treatments and we re-examine the layout of our home to make it more easily accessible for her. Our wish is for Jen to regain some of her independence and confidence. Many Thanks

The Cammalleri Family