I Can proudly say that after A LOT of hard work: Michigan was the first state to recognize September as Chiari Malformation Awareness month 2007 and 2008 and Now 2009!  I then contacted Governor Ted Strickland, Ohio and asked him to do the same which he did, and 2 Ohio chiarians were sent the confirmation! This achievement makes me proud for all of us! We are finally starting to get the recognition that we all deserve. Please join me in writing to your state Governors and asking them for their support so they too will get on board with our amazing movement!

	Devin's Battle With Chiari Malformation and M.S., Cranial Cervical Instability, Chronic Fatigue and Pain Syndrome-
What is Chiari Malformation (Arnold Chiari Malformation) Chiari Malformation is a malformation that may occur with development of the baby or in later life. The malformation consists of a protrusion of the bottom portion of the cerebellum into the upper portion of the spinal canal. This malformation can lead to headaches, arm or leg symptoms, or problems with the nerves that supply the head and neck. When appropriately diagnosed, treatment can consist of surgical decompression of the base of the brain.
Michigan Chiari Malformation Awareness MONTH Information HERE!

June 28, 2009  I have been busy, busy busy....Not only am I in the middle of my own lawsuit for my original car accident, but I am getting ready to have major surgery July 31st, 2009.  My new surgeon is absolutely amazing and he and a team of other surgeons, and also a ENT (ear, Nose and Throat) specialist, have decided to go big, and try to change some areas of my cervical spine, that others simply refused to touch, for fear of paralyzation, complication, etc. This was definitely not a quick decision on their part! After 8 tests, and many conferences, my surgery is scheduled and I am ready....This one is very different than any of the past surgeries that I have experienced. Recovery is 20-24 weeks, and I am having salivatory glands removed in an effort to expose the area needed to be seen. There is a 60 % percent chance that while doing this my jaw will also have to be broken, and then re-wired after. I can see it now, hard collar, wired jaw.......that's a cute image..... :)  LOL   Hey if I can't laugh about it a little bit, then I wouldn't get thru all of this constant medical nightmare!

 January 2009- It has been FOREVER since I personally have been on here and said anything. Life has been different, complicated, at moments very lonely and sad. I have made a commitment to myself, and the understanding to others that for now on, I will write only the truth, even if it's ugly and will continue to communicate what is going on. I may not ever be able to type daily, I just do not have the energy with the way life is, and the trials of trying to make it thru the day and to ensure my children (Paige and Micah-9) can manage to do the same, and I pray that along the way, we all smile a bit. I have a new diagnosis of M.S., and it is all very New to me. I am in a very rough state right now and as each day brings constant struggle I am learning to tackle it one painful, weak moment at a time.

M.S. -  What Is M.S.??? How did it get diagnosed???? M.S. is the common abbreviation that stands for Multiple Sclerosis. After several long years of testing with the Chiari a diagnosis was finally forced.

MORE TO COME........

February- I am still trying to piece together everything that I want to say, add and talk about on my site. I am having a hard time beginning, as I feel a lot of my directions have changed. I once again appreciate all of the letters of support that I am receiving! A special thanks to Katie, Jake, Shelly, Kevin

and as always my inspiration: Paige and Micah: Without your everyday chaos I couldn't continue on!

4-25-2006

Hi my name is Devin I am 26 years old and live in Ortonville, Michigan.  I am building this site to help raise awareness about Chiari Malformation. I am married, my husband's name is Christopher and I have 8 year old twins, Paige (girl) and Micah (boy). These 3 are the most important people in my life, my support team. I will be updating this site frequently as it is still in it's building stages.  If you are here because you have this condition and are trying to do as much research as possible, as I did, then there is one VERY important piece of advice that I would like to give you.  If you listen to nothing else, please follow this bit of research advice.  Everyone's battle with Chiari is different.  Although we may all have some of the same symptoms, they may not be for the same reasons.  We ALL heal differently.  Our bodies all react differently to the decompression procedure.  Although you will ask questions to fellow Chiari patients, as you should, remember that they are not doctors, and are only speaking from their own experiences.  DO NOT take their diagnosis as medical advice.  If you have concerns about any part of your recovery or surgery ALWAYS consult your doctor.  There is no reason to get scared and worried until you hear your doctor tell you there is a problem.  This is where I went wrong.  Use the forums and blogs to educate yourself and learn which questions you should ask your doctor.

Together we can make a difference!  ~ Devin~                           

                                                                                                         HAPPINESS

Don't forget to Send me an email and say Hello!!! devinkal@hotmail.com

Special thank you to Dr. Grain, Dr. Cohen, & Dr. Marshall, Dr. Honet, Dr. Alghren !!You are amazing doctors and I appreciate you each leading me to a proper diagnosis & in the right direction....OFTEN

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