woman with Cranio-cervical Instability Seeks Funding for Life-Changing Surgery
A woman identified as Cato is urgently seeking financial support for a complex neck fusion surgery that she believes will dramatically improve her quality of life.Cato suffers from Cranio-cervical instability, a condition where her neck vertebrae are unstable and press against nerves, leading to a cascade of neurological symptoms.The instability has severely limited Cato’s life,impacting her leg function,balance,and moast recently,her speech. She describes the loss of her voice as particularly devastating, likening it to being “locked up in your own head” and having her “only and last force torn away.” The condition also affects vital bodily functions, causing a high heart rate due to pressure on the nerve controlling heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing. Cato’s doctor suggests that her Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) may have exacerbated these issues, and vice versa.
A recent consultation with a specialist in Barcelona, recommended by her cardiologist, revealed a potential solution: a neck fusion operation. This procedure would stabilize her neck vertebrae using screws, aiming to alleviate the instability and consequently reduce her neurological complaints. Cato views this surgery as her only hope for regaining her life, stating, “Without the neck fusion it is indeed certain that nothing will change in my life.”
Though, the life-altering surgery comes with a prohibitive cost of 63,300 euros, a sum Cato cannot afford. Faced with this financial barrier, she has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the necessary funds.Despite her fears, Cato is persistent to try, expressing her desire to “start life again rather of survival.”
In the interim, Cato focuses on what she can manage, preparing her own breakfast and lunch when her energy allows. She finds solace in reading,utilizing a holder and remote control for her e-reader to conserve energy. She also cherishes monthly games of Dungeons & Dragons with friends.
Cato deeply misses physical activity, having previously worked at a circus school and trained for a ten-kilometer unicycle race. The prospect of the neck fusion surgery has rekindled her ability to dream, envisioning even a simple unicycle ride as a significant achievement. Her ultimate aspirations include resuming volunteer work, managing household tasks, cooking, and simply being able to sit comfortably.
The interview concluded with cato losing her speech, indicating the physical toll the conversation had taken.
Those wishing to support Cato’s journey can contribute to her crowdfunding campaign for the neck fusion surgery via the provided link.
