Buncombe County


Fundraiser to support girl’s brain surgery


By Matt Tate It’s one of the blessings of living in


a supportive community when lend- ing hands drop by in times of need. Ever since Asheville resident Misty


Miller and her family began organiz- ing a fundraiser for her 4-year-old daughter who is awaiting brain sur- gery for a rare children’s condition, her phone has been ringing off the hook from people asking how they can help. “It’s been really amazing the people


who have come out of the woodwork to make planning this whole thing possible,” Miller said. She hopes the wave of altruism


continues for the family’s 5K race and pancake breakfast Aug. 7 at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church to support her daughter Phoebe. Phoebe has been diagnosed with a


congenital malformation of her cer- ebellum called Chiari. It is a neuro- logical disorder where the cerebellum descends out of the skull into the spi- nal area. Parts of the brain and spinal cord become compressed and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is disrupted. Given its uncommonness, espe-


cially in young children, and the wide range of symptoms it can cause, the condition is tough to diagnose. Mill- er said Phoebe’s was caught early after several months of headaches. Te surgery, which will be per-


formed at Johns Hopkins Medical Institution in Baltimore, Md., will essentially shave a portion of her skull


Phoebe Miller needs the community’s help.


to make room for the growing cer- ebellum and an incision will be made into her brain’s membrane to also al- low growth. Miller said it is a tough surgery but


because the condition is being treated early, doctors have given her a good post-surgery prognosis. Tey had hoped to wait for a year


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or two because young children have regenerative growth until around the age of 4 that could render the surgery ineffective. However, a frightening choking episode recently prompted the Millers to move the surgery to Aug. 17. Phoebe turned 4 on July 9. “It’s been a strange balancing act


between wanting to do the surgery and not wanting to do it too early,” Miller said. If the surgery is delayed


too long, the neurological damages can be irreversible. Even though the Millers are cov-


ered by insurance, the procedure could still cost more than $50,000. In addition, they will have to stay in Baltimore until Phoebe can recover for a flight home. Te family hopes Phoebe can re-


turn to school at Asheville Montes- sori School in Woodfin by the end of the year. Miller, who also operates the


Munchkin Market consignment sale held twice a year in Asheville, said another wine tasting fundraiser is planned before the family leaves for Baltimore. For more information or to donate, go to pancakepalooza. com.


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