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

Any donation made helps further the goals of this organization.  No amount is too small!

My Story:

I was diagnosed with a CSF Leak in April 2025.  Like many other people, my intense headaches were initially written off by doctors as migraines, even though I had no history of them and the pain was crippling.  I didn't know that a CSF Leak was possible, and didn't know the questions to ask or the tests that should be done to figure out what was wrong.  It took a couple ER visits, several doctors, and lots of insistence that something wasn't right to eventually get the CTs and MRIs that pointed to a leak.  I was fortunate to receive two epidural blood patches and continuing care at a hospital with an established CSF Leak Clinic.  The radiologist was able to identify the leak was caused by a bone spur on my vertebrae that wore through the dura.  After nearly a year of recovery and not getting back to 100%, I'm preparing for surgery to repair the slow leak that remains.  

After receiving my diagnosis, the Spinal CSF Leak Foundation resources were immensely helpful in understanding this condition, knowing what questions to ask the doctors, and where to go to get treatment from teams specializing in CSF Leaks.  Please join me in supporting this Foundation so they can continue spreading awareness of this underdiagnosed condition and giving people the tools, support, and hope they need to get their lives back!

Thank you for standing by me in this effort!  Your support means the world to me.