In February of this year, my daughter had brain surgery to fix the Chiari Defect, and relieve pressure on the cord, so the syringomyelia would go away. \u00c2\u00a0After several hours in the OR, she was moved to Pediatric ICU to start her recovery. \u00c2\u00a0We spent two nights in PICU, before getting moved to a ‘regular’ recovery room. \u00c2\u00a0The nurses in both the PICU, and the ‘regular’ floor, were amazing. \u00c2\u00a0They were friendly, talked to our daughter in language she’d understand, helped address her fears, and keep her calm. \u00c2\u00a0We even had a nurse that had a Chiari defect himself! \u00c2\u00a0Talk about being able to relate to your patient!<\/p>\n
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In less then a week, we were ready to be discharged…and, to illustrate how great everyone at the hospital was… my daughter cried when she found out it was time to leave.<\/p>\n
Now, a little more than 6 months after her surgery, we’ve been in for all our followups visits, and MRIs, and given a clean bill of health. \u00c2\u00a0No further signs of pressure, the spinal fluid has gone down to normal levels. \u00c2\u00a0A bit of Physical Therapy, and she’s now just a fearless ball of energy when she’s playing.<\/p>\n
Because of the great level of care we received, I’m joining MOG Nation <\/a>to participate in Extra-Life this year, to raise money for the Hospital that helped my Daughter so much. \u00c2\u00a0I’m seeking donations\/pledges to help out. \u00c2\u00a0If you’re interested in donating to Children’s (and, making me play games for 24 hours), please follow this link to my donation <\/a>page over at extra-life.com.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donations are tax deductible, so please, give if you can.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thanks<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [UPDATE]<\/p>\n Here’s a picture of her incision, the day after surgery:<\/p>\n![\"1](\"http:\/\/www.bigdamnheroes.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/IMG_1012-1024x764.jpg\")
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