Chiari Malformation: You're "Amber's Hope" To Feel 'Human'

Several years ago, a very, dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, also known as Arnold Chiari Malformation. This is a defect in the area of the back of the head, where the brain and spinal cord attach. In layman’s terms, Chiari Malformation is a condition, in which the brain prolapsed beyond the base of the skull.

In a large number of cases, it goes undetected until adolescent or adult years of life. Amber was one of those cases. Her condition was undiagnosed for years. She suffered from heart problems, severe headaches, chronic pain, fatigue and so much more. However, it was years before she was diagnosed properly. Amber struggles daily with her condition.

Amber Bailey is a fun-loving mother of a fourteen year old son. She has a smile for anyone and everyone. Amber doesn’t know a stranger, and would give you the shirt off her back, if you needed it. She can make you laugh, even when you’re having the worst day of your life. She will cry with you, or just hold your hand for comfort. In my eyes, she is truly a courageous and inspirational person. Amber has never lost her charisma, or her faith in God.

oooO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Many People Will Walk
,,,(,,,,),,,,,Oooo,,,,, In & Out Of Your Life,
,,,,\,,(,,,,,,,(,,,,),,,,, But Only True Friends,
,,,,,\_),,,,,,,),,/,,,,,, Will Leave Footprints In Your Heart
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,(_/,,,,,,,, & Memories That Will Last Forever..

She can deal with stress and carry heavy burdens. She smiles when she feels like screaming, and she sings when she feels like crying. She cries when she is happy and laughs when she's afraid. Her love is unconditional. There's only one thing wrong with her. She forgets what she is worth!

In February of 2008, Amber underwent brain surgery. The doctors performed a brain decompression. Even after undergoing this major surgery, she continued with strange, bizarre symptoms. She traveled to numerous doctors over several states trying to find out the cause of these symptoms. Each would give their own diagnosis and treatments, and each of them continued to fail. Amber continued to suffer swollen joints, joints dislocations, debilitating migraines daily, dizziness, temporary paralysis in her legs, episodes of tachycardia of the heart, non-epileptic seizure activity, and periods of disoriented behavior. One common agreement among all of the doctors, it was neurological. However, none could locate it’s source, and all refused to acknowledge Chiari as the problem.

In 2009, Amber was admitted for a cerebral spinal fluid leak, from the two-year old incision in the back of her head. The hunt was on once again to find a doctor who would listen.The search ended with Dr. Fraser Henderson in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Henderson is one of the top neurosurgeons in the United States. Amber was able to get an appointment with the referral of friend who happened to be one of his patients. Dr. Henderson diagnosed Amber with Chiari, Ehlers Danlos, and Intracranial Hypertension. He then ordered further tests, because he believes she may have a syrinx in her spine with a tethered cord. He explained her conditions are treatable. She will never be normal, but he would like to help her feel “human”.

Friends and family are working together to get Amber back to feeling "human". They have created a fundraising page on Facebook called Amber's Hope. The mission is get Amber back to Bethesda, MD for further testing, treatments, and her surgery. Most of the items are donated to Amber's Hope from several of her "crafty" friends, as well as Amber herself. The FB page is complete with pictures and links of the items for sale. One of the links is for See Shel's Treasures owned and operated by Michelle Clutter Randolph. She has created a collection of jewelry especially for Amber and designated it as Amber's Hope.

Please join us in helping Amber. Thank you and God Bless