I’m thrilled to be participating in duradash® 2026, an annual fundraiser for the Spinal CSF Leak Foundation. This year’s virtual event runs from May 24–June 7, 2026. The event aims to raise awareness and funds in support of spinal CSF leak research and education, so more patients living with this under-diagnosed and disabling disorder can receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

As many of you know, I had a spinal CSF leak that went undiagnosed for 12 years before successfully being treated. I still have progress to being a fully active person, but the fact that this treatment worked at all was nothing short of a medical miracle.

I’m so honored to be raising money for the Spinal CSF Leak Foundation, because without them, I literally would not be in this position today. Their videos and online resources gave me the confidence and technical knowledge to navigate the many complexities of treatment. Unfortunately, my experience of a long diagnosis time is all too common, but researchers have made huge advances in recent years, and I want to give back to the community that gave me so much.

For duradash®, participants do whatever activity they can — many lying down, because they are partly or fully bed-bound. I will be participating in a community walk along the river and ocean near our home, where the vistas have helped me heal emotionally after such a long and strange medical journey.

Every donation — big or small — helps me reach my goal and directly impacts research and patient support for this under-diagnosed, debilitating condition. I will also be matching every donation dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $5,000. The amount you see on the donation page does not include the matching amount, which I will contribute on the final day.

Thank you for standing by me over the years in this effort. Your support means the world — to me, and to so many other patients suffering silently from this debilitating disorder.