While most little girls will spend the warm summer months at the pool, going on vacation, playing ball and/or having sleep overs, Mariyah Bauman will be spending her summer preparing for and recovering from surgery on her skull. This past spring, Mariyah was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation in which her brain tissue extends into her spinal canal, putting pressure on parts of her brain and spinal cord. As a result, Mariyah suffers from frequent and recurring headaches and dizziness. Additionally and more severely, Mariyah battles episodes of dangerously high blood pressure, believed to be a side effect of Chiari, and resulting in several stays in the hospital for hypertension, seizures, and even a mini stroke.
In just a few weeks, on June 26th, 2023, Mariyah will have surgery to widen the hole of her skull and remove the first vertebrae of her neck to help alleviate the pressure on her brain and spinal cord. Her mother, Stacy, a para educator at St. Joseph Catholic School Ost, will care for Mariyah during her 4 to 6 week recovery. The number one request of the family is prayers! Please be sure to add them to your prayer list and keep them in your thoughts this summer! Undoubtedly, your financial support will help ease Stacy's mind regarding medical bills and her inability to work full time, while allowing her to focus on caring for Mariyah and getting her ready for her 4th grade school year! If you're in a position to financially help, any gift will be appreciated and a huge blessing to Stacy and Mariyah. Thank you for your generosity!
