My Nephew and His Brain

This is my handsome nephew, Brennan!

I love this picture of him!

It's that smile!  His smile is so big - it's so happy - and it's so contagious!
How can you not smile yourself when you look at this picture?!

Brennan loves garbage trucks and he loves to vacuum.

He loves chex mix and oreos.

He loves to pittle around and follow his curiousity....wherever it may take him...

He is the middle child with an older brother to "do what boys do" with and a baby sister to love and dote on.

He is one of the most lovable little boys I know - always cuddling and snuggling and gives the best of hugs.

Brennan also has really bad headaches almost on a daily basis and sometimes wets the bed.

He has began stuttering, he can't hear very well, and his eye sight is poor.

At times, his speech is very difficult to understand.  He has a hard time getting his words out.

...and after several years of these symptoms (worsening over time), many many appointments with teachers and doctors, lots and lots of testing - a couple of months ago, Brennan and his family landed in the hands of a neurosurgeon with a diagnosis of Chiari Malformation.

Chiari Malformation?
What's that?

In terms that we can all understand, Chiari Malformation basically means that your brain doesn't fit into your skull properly...your brain is too big for your skull.

Chiari Malformation is a brain abnormality that causes the cerebellum (the part of your brain that controls coordination and muscle movement) to protrude into the space that should normally be occupied by the spinal cord.  When this happens, it causes a lot of pressure on the brain and spine, causing lots of symptoms - much of what Brennan has been experiencing the past few years.

Brennan's mom and dad have been and will continue to keep a blog about Brennan and his journey with Chiari Malformation.  Within their blog, you can find more information and pictures of Chiari Malformation as well as their journey - step by step.  Their blog is called "Brennan's Journey With Chiari Malformation" and you can click HERE to take you there.

On January 28th, Brennan will be celebrating his 5th birthday!...but just 5 days before his 5th birthday, he will undergo brain surgery.

This Friday, on January 23rd, Brennan will be admitted to one of the best children's hospital around.  Brennan will meet up with his neurosurgeon for a few hours and undergo a surgery that will relieve pressure on his brain and spine.  

Will this cure his Chiari Malformation?
NO.

This is not curable, but something he will have to learn to live with.

Brennan is a strong, brave boy.

I know he is going to take this surgery and recovery like a champ.
He's going to come out smiling - that big, beautiful, contagious smile!!

I know I can't possibly begin to understand what Brennan's mom and dad are going through right now - their baby about to be admitted to the hospital for a very serious operation on his brain - but I hope I can help bring comfort during this difficult time by sending a love box to Brennan, raising awareness for Chiari Malformation, and helping to grow their support system by asking for thoughts and prayers over the next couple of weeks as Brennan continues his journey with this brain surgery and recovery.

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you"

-Isaiah 66:13

To Brennan's mom and dad, I just want to say - 

Be there to comfort Brennan and let God do the rest.

I know the feelings you guys have talked about and how difficult and emotional this has been for you guys.  You are human.
It is normal to feel the way you feel and to have the thoughts you have.
It is normal to cry - It is normal for your blood pressure to rise - 

It is normal to cry - It is normal to want to scream -

It is normal to cry - It is normal ask "why us" -

Did I already say it was normal to cry?

You are human, but you are also warriors!!!

"Yes, you are a Superhero of sorts.  You are a warrior.  You wear the mask of bravery, the cape of strength, and the shield of hope."

You've stood strong from the beginning - 

from watching Brennan fight through his symptoms, to hearing the diagnosis, to scheduling his brain surgery - 

and I know you will continue to stand strong as you kiss him before he's wheeled off into the operating room.  You will stand strong as you wait for hours until he is in recovery.
You will stand strong when you see him for the first time after surgery.

You will stand strong as you guys head down the road of recovery.

We love you guys and I admire your strength.

...and we love you, Brennan!  Makayla, Mason, and Mia have been asking lots of questions about you and they keep saying that they hope you feel better soon!

Keep Calm 

and
Conquer Chiari