Patrick "Smitty" Smith was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 2 in February 2025.
This is where his cerebellum pushes down through the opening at the base of his skull. There are many symptoms that he has been experiencing because of this malformation that he has had since birth. In May 2025 his MRI confirmed this diagnosis and was told that Type 2 was very rare and usually requires surgery. Since that time, as his symptoms grew worse, Smitty has gotten many MRIs and CT scans as well as numerous appointments with neurologists.
The neurologist recommended a brain decompression surgery to help with this.
On September 22nd, 2026 Smitty and Zoé went to Alaska Native Medical Center to proceed in getting this surgery. In this surgery they removed part of his skull as well as C1 and part of C2 in his spine and Dural Patching to make room. Since then Smitty has been in the ICU/CCU recovering.
The recovery time for this surgery is 6-8 weeks where he is not allowed to go to work at all and then very light duty after the 8 weeks.
This fundraiser will help them make ends meet while he heals.
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