My New Project: Building a CSF Chapter!

As you know, along with other health concerns, Graden has a Chiari Malformation; it is a rare brain defect that causes many more side effects than I will post here. Instead, you can visit my favorite links to research more, if you haven't already:

1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chiari-malformation/DS00839
2. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/detail_chiari.htm
3. http://www.chiariinstitute.com/chiari_malformation.html
4. http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site699/mainpageS699P0.html
5. http://www.csfinfo.org/
   (You can like the CSF on Facebook, too!)

These websites have helped us understand more clearly what Graden has and what his surgery (on June 10th) will entail.


Because of my strong desire to learn, Graden and I have decided to work with the Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation (CSF) to open a CSF Chapter here in Fort Wayne. Believe it or not, there is not a chapter here or in Indianapolis -- two of the largest cities in Indiana.

In addition to researching websites, as I have shared Graden's story, I have met others through social media that have experienced the same health issues he has; it has helped us so much, and I want to offer that knowledge to others. 

In order to do start this project, I am working to raise $1,000! 

Graden will be participating in a "Solo-Walk" on Friday, July 5th. He will walk around the block in our neighborhood. Feel free to sign up to join him! As part of his recovery, his goal is to have 25 walkers (Team Graden!) and $1,000 in donations. (As of the date of this post, we have $255!)

The money raised will allow the CSF to grant me the ability to create a Fort Wayne - CSF Chapter, allowing us to continue to share our story, implement support groups for patients and their families, continue fundraisers for research, and establish education in our area!

If everyone one of my friends on Facebook gave me $1.00, I would have $1,060. :) Please, please consider donating to this great cause. So little is known about Chiari, despite being such a serious health concern. Feel free to share this request, my blog, and our story, too. The more we reach - the better.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!