11-Year-Old Parker in Brunswick Fighting Incurable Chiari – You Can Help

Parker is a normal 7th grader. Likes basketball, YouTube and his friends and family. But a year ago he was diagnosed with incurable Chiari...help raise money for this rare disease. 

Parker has Arnold Chiari Malformation and syringomyelia. Chiari causes the lower part of the cerebellum, but not the brain stem, to extend into an opening at the base of the skull. Normally, only the spinal cord passes through this opening. This causes a restriction of cerebral spinal fluid and a lengthy list of symptoms.

It is incurable and surgery only reduces the symptoms.

He has a long and hilly road ahead of him. He is a fighter and so are those that support Parker and all dealing with this horrible disease.

What's crazy about this horrible disease, is that there are many families dealing with this! Just received this Facebook message:

Hello! My name is Erika Sawtelle and I am a mother to 3 amazing warriors. My children ages 7, 4 and 2 all suffer from a brain condition called Chiari Malformation. There is no cure for this condition, brain surgery just slows down progression and symptoms. We have had a combined total of 5 brain and 2 spine surgeries within the last 2 years. Unfortunately the condition has gotten worse and we are gearing up for our 2 year olds 3 brain surgery since October. We currently travel from Maine to Manhattan for all of the surgery needs and with medical expenses it gets very expensive. We are holding an online Auction Fundraiser in hopes to raise funds for our upcoming surgery. I am writing to see if you would like to donate an item to the auction to help raise funds for my babies.

 

The day before Parker turns 12, the Southern Maine Conquer Chiari chapter will be hosting their Chiari Walk.

Thank you for anything you can do to help...it is so appreciated.