Going Bald for Melody!

For the full story, head to the main page.

In short;

Meet Mel, she's kind, generous, funny, addicted to tea, caring, and has an AVM (arterio-venous malformation) in her spinal cord. Early last year the AVM ruptured which was when it was initially found. Neurosurgeons believe that since Melody has had one bleed, the risk of another bleed is higher as the blood vessels can weaken over time. A future bleed would likely result in quadriplegia or death. Due to the location (cervical levels 2 and 3), and complexity of Melody's condition means that no New Zealand neurosurgeons have the experience to operate on her.

Good news though! Specialist vascular neurosurgeons at the Barrow Neurological Institute in America have reviewed Melody's case and are confident that they could surgically remove the AVM, providing a complete cure for her condition. Unfortunately, as health care is private in America and the treatment is so specialised, the cost of surgery, postoperative care and rehabilitation required is significant, with the final quote being $470,000 (NZD).

I wanted to help out somehow, so have decided that in a bid to raise some funds, on the 14th of May 2021, I shall shave my head! (coming into the cooler months of winter too, brrr) If you want to help Mel out, or if you just want to see me bald, send your money through! It doesn't matter if it is a little or a lot, it all helps!

For those who want to follow along Melody's fundraising and treatment journey follow this link: https://m.facebook.com/groups/305242384313259?group_view_referrer=search

For more information on Melody's condition follow this link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-arteriovenous-malformation/symptoms-causes/syc-20355613

Ngā mihi nui

Toni