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Fruita Teenager Recovers from Brain Surgery

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Jul 23, 2012 at 6:08 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2012 at 11:41 AM MDT

FRUITA, Colo.- After recently recovering from a successful brain surgery that saved her life, one Fruita teenager wants to pay it forward by forming a support group to help others like her in the Grand Valley.

Carly Adkins, 14, started getting severe headaches when she was just 5 yeas old. In 2009 she was diagnosed with Chiari malformation.

However, just three months ago she underwent a life changing brain surgery. "I can't stop smiling,” said Carly Adkins, who adds she loves to feel like a normal teenager. “Before my surgery, I never thought I would smile everyday. It feels new and I love it.”

After six hours under the knife, doctors were able to treat and cure her symptoms. "Immediately after surgery, Carly showed a difference," said Lisa Adkins, Carly’s mom. “It got to a point at the end that there were no good days, it was all bad. Now for her to have turned around her life and have it back, it’s just unbelievable.”

It's a new life Carly dedicates not only to her doctors, but friends and neighbors who have donated to her fund, Carly’s Cause.

“I wouldn't have my life back if it wasn't for all of those people who have helped me and supported me,” she said.

The Fruita teenager now wants to donate her time to giving back and helping others like her. "Carly wants to form a support group on the Western Slope for people with Chiari,” said Lisa Adkins. “She wants to help them and their families so they don’t have to go through what we went through.”

Grand Junction Harley Davidson will host a Poker Run for Carly’s Cause on July 28 at 8:30 am, with a barbecue to follow. For more information, email Lisa at Carlyscause@yahoo.com.

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DuAnn Bacon said on Tuesday, Jul 24 at 8:23 AM

I also have Chiari malformation and had the surgery 2 yrs. ago. I am a 43 yr. old mom of 4 in Montrose and also have wanted to start a support group. There are 4 people here with Chiari, including myself.

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