Help Rachel get surgery and get back on her feet.

Hi, my name is Rachel, and I have a condition known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Basically, several major nerves and blood vessels pass between the head and chest through an area nestled between the clavicle and first rib, called the thoracic outlet. In most people, the bones forming the thoracic outlet serve to protect these important nerves and blood vessels, but occasionally, the opening can become narrowed, compressing the brachial plexus, subclavian vein, and/or subclavian artery.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome that affects only the nerves is by far the most common type, and can often be treated with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, it looks like I have the rarer (and potentially more dangerous, due to the possibility of blood clots) vascular type, which usually requires surgery to correct, so I will need to have my right first rib removed. Of course, no surgery is ever a guarantee, but first rib resection is a standard treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and after years of debilitating pain, blinding headaches, frequent fainting, and the gradual loss of the use of my right arm, I am more than ready to do whatever it takes to get back to living my life. I am looking to raise money to help cover the loss of income during the surgery and recovery period.