Chiari Malformation Awareness

Rachel has been suffering from headaches & migraines since High school.  As time as gone on, her symptoms have worsened.  This last year she diagnosed with Chiari Malformation after more CTs and MRIs.  Like her family, you probably never heard of this. First off, here's a helpful way to pronounce it...KEE-AHR-EE!! 

After a meeting with her Neurosurgeon (Dr. Zakeri) and reviewing her scan results, surgery was planned.  July 23rd, 2015 Rachel had a craniotomy with decompression surgery done.  Rachel was home and recovering slowly but had surgery again August 11th due to an infection.  Dr says she'll be off work now for a few months still.   With this in mind we thought, what a great way to help the one we love be a little less stressed about medical bills by raising some funds while she is off work.  Every little bit helps!  Anyone who knows Rachel has experienced first hand what a compassionate, loving, and giving person she is.  This is our chance to support her while raising awareness!  Join me in wearing Purple in September!

Zumba Fundraiser... Monday September 14th, Old Mill Dundee, MI (Hosted by Zumba Instuctor Brittany Quintero)
Doors open at 6p
Dancing starts at 6:30p-7:30p
COST: $5 but bring extra cash to enter in raffle prizes!!
Buy a Chiari Malformation t-shirt to wear to the event and receive TWO free raffle tickets. 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BFitwithBrittany/
More INFO...
Chiari malformation, also known as Arnold–Chiari malformation, is a condition affecting the brain. It consists of a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum (the opening at the base of the skull), sometimes causing non-communicating hydrocephalus[1] as a result of obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow.[2] The cerebrospinal fluid outflow is caused by phase difference in outflow and influx of blood in the vasculature of the brain. It can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing,sometimes accompanied by gagging, choking and vomiting, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, impaired coordination, Neck pain, Unsteady gait (problems with balance), Poor hand coordination (fine motor skills), Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, Speech problems, such as hoarseness.  Less often, people with Chiari malformation may experience: Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), Weakness, Slow heart rhythm, Curvature of the spine (scoliosis) related to spinal cord impairment, Abnormal breathing, such as central sleep apnea, characterized by periods of breathing cessation during sleep and, in severe cases, paralysis. [3]

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/detail_chiari.htm