Hope & Healing: Overcoming a Spinal Cord Cavernoma

Dear Caring Friends, Family, and Supporters,

I'm Kaitlyn Nelson, a 30-year-old who led a vibrant life, fueled by ambition and athleticism, until a rare diagnosis in February 2023 shifted my reality. I was diagnosed with spinal cord intramedullary cavernoma (SCIC), a condition where a cluster of abnormal blood vessels, akin to a raspberry, developed in my spinal cord. This diagnosis came after years of facing incorrect diagnoses and treatments, impacting every aspect of my life.

My symptoms, ranging from neuropathy and muscle stiffness to balance issues and sensory deficits, transformed daily tasks into monumental challenges. The severity of these symptoms has been life-altering, leading to a significant decline in my quality of life. Despite overcoming numerous personal challenges, including an abusive childhood and navigating through an abusive relationship and workplace, this health crisis tested my resilience like never before.

The journey to a correct diagnosis was fraught with obstacles. Denied insurance claims delayed essential diagnostics, and the lack of support from my employer left me jobless and uninsured at a critical time. In October 2022, a dramatic loss of sensation in my right leg urged me to seek help from multiple specialists across the country. Finally, a neurologist in California identified my condition through an MRI, leading to the necessity of a complex, life-saving surgery in May 2023.

The surgery, a T7/T8 thoracic laminectomy to remove the cavernoma, along with subsequent medical tests and treatments, has left me facing a financial crisis. The total cost, including the surgery, multiple MRIs, an angiogram, and ongoing therapies and medications, has amounted to an overwhelming debt, $50,000.

As I embark on this road to recovery, the financial burden of my medical expenses, along with the need for continuous therapy and specialized care, weighs heavily on me. Despite the challenges, my spirit remains unbroken, but the reality of my situation has compelled me to reach out for help.

I am appealing to you, our compassionate community, for support. Your contribution will directly assist in covering my medical bills, essential therapies, and the specialized resources I desperately need. No donation is too small; each act of generosity brings me closer to regaining my health and independence.

I am deeply thankful for your kindness and generosity during this incredibly challenging time. Your support not only aids in my recovery but also brings awareness to SCIC/CCM, helping others who may be facing similar battles.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your consideration and support. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by rare conditions like mine.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kaitlyn Nelson

P.S. Sharing my story and contributing to my recovery campaign can make a world of difference, not just for me, but in raising awareness about SCIC/CCM. Your support means everything.

** Click link to learn more about Spinal Cord Cavernomas - https://www.surgical-neurology.com/our-work/cavernoma/spinal-cord-cavernoma **

One of the MRI's of my Cavernoma - Below the cavernoma is the bleed, which has caused irreversible nerve damage:

MRI before surgery (left), MRI after surgery (right):

Photos of me after surgery:

My 4 inch scar: