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Update from Kim’s Healing Journey

It’s been about two weeks since Kim returned home from Hawaii, and right now the focus is simple but vital: monitor,  rest and recovery . The medical team has made it clear that this is top priority. Kim’s body has been through a lot—her system responds intensely to procedures, and this has added layers of complexity that doctors are working to better control. Further testing is scheduled for late August to evaluate her brain, vascular compressions, and jugular veins. The medical team is specifically monitoring Kim’s right jugular vein, which collapsed post surgically, to see if rest, time and reduced swelling will allow it to re-open. These results will help guide decisions about what comes next and when. It’s not the update Kim hoped for. She had been holding onto the hope that this chapter might finally be closing—but for now, it’s a “wait and heal” season. We continue to cheer her on and hold the vision of her receiving the very best care at every turn. 💜 #LymeDisease #HAE #He...
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Kim is Home

🏡We’re home. 💛Thank you for being patient while I stayed quiet. I just needed time to rest, process, and begin healing. I wasn’t ready to share, but I’m getting there. 💛 Before I share the harder medical truths later this week🤢 I want to start with something else. 🌊These photos hold pieces of a chapter that I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to start. They’re from the moments between the hard ones, the quiet healing days, the beauty I got to witness, the hours before and after surgery when time slowed down and reminded me how precious it all is. Getting to Oahu for this surgery, to this specific medical team, was only possible because of you!🫶🏼 Those who donated, shared, checked in, and helped us provide medical care for Cole and Bella while I was away. As a family we will never forget it. 🥺Emotionally, this has been hard. All I wanted was to come home fixed — to be able to tell you all that it worked, that it’s over. But that’s not how this chapter ends. The truth is, while a lot was ...

Surgery Update

6/20 – Kim’s Surgery Update Kim underwent her first major surgery in Hawaii on Friday. The surgical team focused exclusively on restoring proper function to her right internal jugular vein (IJV) . Here’s what the procedure involved: Resection of the first cervical vertebra (C1): This bone, along with an elongated styloid process and associated ligament (a condition known as Eagle’s Syndrome ), was compressing the vein, preventing blood from draining properly from Kim’s brain. Removal of scar tissue: The vein was also constricted by unusual scar tissue, further reducing blood flow. More details about this scar tissue are shared below. Following the surgery, initial assessments suggested improved blood flow through the vein. However, subsequent imaging revealed that the vein remains partially collapsed at the C1 level . As a result, Kim may require a second surgery this coming week to place a stent and fully open the vein. Understandably, this news is deeply disappointing and emotiona...

Out of Surgery

Update on Kim 💛  Kim is out of surgery and currently resting in recovery. The surgeon spoke with Jason about what they found, and I’ll share more details tomorrow. This surgery was another step forward in her healing journey. That said, she’ll be closely monitored to see if it successfully opened her Right Internal Jugular Vein. She’ll be staying in the hospital for now, and a specialized imaging study is scheduled for tomorrow to help decide the next steps. Please keep Kim in your thoughts and prayers. We’re hoping she has good pain control and can get some much-needed rest. Sending all our love to Kim and her family — we’re holding them close in our hearts. 💛

Plot Twist

PLOT TWIST! Kim is out of her first surgery—but things didn’t go quite as originally planned. Instead of performing interventions today, the surgeon chose to map sections of Kim’s vascular system , which means… she’ll now need TWO additional surgeries instead of just one. The good news? Because today’s procedure was less invasive than expected, Kim was able to discharge from the hospital and return to their rental stay. Her pain level is around a 6 out of 10 , and she’s dealing with severe swelling . What We Know: While detailed imaging and results from today’s mapping are still pending, Dr. Huey shared some key insights: The Left Internal Jugular Vein —previously reconstructed—has started to scar , once again impairing blood flow from the brain. The Right Internal Jugular Vein is fully compressed by bony structures . This is not due to scar tissue or clots. These findings explain the increasing pressure in Kim’s brain , the painful swelling of her face and neck , and the pressure o...

Surgery Day 6/16/25

TODAY is the DAY! Kim is undergoing her first major surgery in Hawaii with the incredible Dr. Huey today — a huge step forward in her journey toward healing. 💪🌺 💫 It’s time to bring that Miracle In Motion back to life. A private donor was so moved by the outpouring of love and support for the Giffords that they’ve offered an additional $3,500 MATCHING GIFT! Let’s match it by Friday, June 20, when Kim returns for her second surgery. Now it’s our turn. Let’s show up with the same strength and love that Kim and her family show every single day. These surgeries are life-changing — but the costs are immense: • Two surgeries • Four surgeons • Hospital stay • Post-op care • Emergency travel • Ongoing medical care for the kids The Giffords have given everything to this fight — and still pour out love and strength to others walking similar roads. 💚 👉 Let’s surround them with the same grace, hope, and power they give to others. ✨ Every donation makes a difference. ✨ Every share sp...

Kim and Jason on their way to Hawaii

First surgery is scheduled for Monday. Donate and share!!! https://linktr.ee/giffordfamilyhope?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=ae29d2cb-4191-4623-b26b-06ca0fb8f5c2