A GoFundMe has been set up to support medical bills for an 18-year-old soccer player and Hart High School alum who was recently diagnosed with a structural skull defect that could cause permanent damage to her brain and spinal cord.

18-year-old Ruby Burroughs has been diagnosed with a type of skull defect called a Chiari malformation, and her friends have started a GoFundMe to pay for corrective surgery in order to help prevent serious spinal and nerve damage.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe

Chiari malformation is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, rather than simply sitting above the foramen magnum, an opening in the skull that allows the spinal cord to connect to the brain.

It is entirely possible for people with Chiari malformations to experience no symptoms, nor need treatment, only discovering the condition when tests are performed for unrelated disorders.

In Burrough’s case, her condition was discovered during an MRI and CAT scan due to a concussion on the soccer field, according to her friend and GoFundMe organizer, Luke Jenkins.

Jenkins noted that the concussion did not create the malformation, but brought attention to it.

A 2020 Hart Graduate, Burroughs played with local soccer club Real SoCal – SCV for several years and currently plays Division 1 soccer at California Baptist University while she pursues a degree in Forensic Science, according to Jenkins.

“Ruby is one of the kindest people I know, has a very sweet soul with a unique and goofball personality. She has always put others before herself, along with being a kindhearted, and genuine human being,” Jenkins wrote.

In order to prevent serious health issues in the future, including irreversible nerve damage that can result in permanent loss of control in her arms and legs, reduced sensation of touch, uncomfortable burning and tingling, blurred vision and vertigo, Burroughs and her family have decided that she should undergo surgery in late December to correct the structural issues in her skull.

Unfortunately, due to insurance not covering all the costs and the neurologist being out of network with Cedars Sinai, the Burroughs family will have to pay almost $20,000 out of pocket for the surgery and hospital stay, according to the GoFundMe .

“This is all new news to Ruby and her family, that is why it is so last minute,” reads the GoFundMe. “Anything and everything helps so much! Please spread the word and keep Ruby and the Burroughs family in your prayers.”

As of Thursday, the GoFundMe had raised around $9,000 of the $15,000 goal.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

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