ASAP.org reviews and funds research annually. They promote awareness by hosting support groups and community fundraisers throughout the nation. Together with its membership, ASAP works toward fulfilling its mission to improve the lives of persons affected by Syringomyelia, Chiari malformation and related disorders while they find a cure.

In 2001, I was diagnosed with Syringomyelia and Chiari malformation. I was told that it was a birth defect. My cerebellum was drooping into the top of my spinal canal causing my spinal fluid to pool. This was causing erosion to my spinal cord, which then caused numbness in various body parts and caused other complications throughout my body. Over the past few years, research has been able to find out that Syringomyelia and Chiari malformation is just not a birth defect, but also can be caused by trauma to the neck/spinal cord due to car accidents, sports injuries, etc. In 2001, there were only 3 stages of Chiari. Today, they have researched 5 different stages.

Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst called a syrinx, forms in the spinal cord. Over time, the cyst enlarges and causes damage to the spinal cord. Chiari malformation is a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into your spinal canal. It occurs when a portion of your skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on your brain and forcing it downward. Although Chiari malformation is uncommon, it’s now diagnosed more frequently due to improved imaging tests.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and your support.

Yogi & Family

For more information, please email Yogi at mbborys@yahoo.com or call 315-651-2657