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Update 5/17/25

UPDATE and SUPPORT

Kim recently underwent additional imaging to help guide the surgical planning for her upcoming procedures in Hawaii this June. The scans revealed new findings and evidence of disease progression. While these developments do not change the overall plan for her one to two surgeries, they increase the overall complexity. They also help explain the severe and persistent swelling Kim continues to experience throughout her brain, head, neck, and torso.

New Findings:

  1. Eagle’s Syndrome: Abnormal bony growths—linked to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)—are compressing Kim’s Right Jugular Vein (RJV). Surgical removal of these growths will be necessary, along with shaving of any cervical vertebrae contributing to the RJV collapse.

  3. Venous Enlargement: Veins beneath the base of the skull (suboccipital collateral veins) and within the cranial cavity (epidural venous plexus) are enlarging due to continued excess fluid flow. Simply put, Kim’s sewage pipes are overwhelmed, and these vessels are now bulging under pressure.

  5. Cardiovascular Strain: The fluid overload contributes to an elevated heart rate (tachycardia) and troubling fluctuations in her blood pressure.

  7. Systemic Inflammation: Kim is experiencing widespread inflammation, which has led to cognitive changes, significant swelling, and rapid “water weight” gain. She is in constant pain and, understandably, feels extremely uncomfortable in her body due to the unpredictable and dramatic fluid shifts. Even daily routines like getting dressed have become difficult, as her body seems to change from day to day.

Despite this, Kim continues to show up for others and support families facing similar medical challenges.

Her surgical team collaborates as a dedicated think tank, working closely and prioritizing her complex care. The first surgery—on the Left Jugular Vein—is healing well and doing its best to manage brain fluid drainage, but unfortunately, it’s not enough on its own.

The Gifford family is doing everything possible to prepare for the enormous financial impact of treatment in Hawaii. Estimating the costs has been incredibly difficult, and they are working daily to understand what lies ahead. Exhausting phone calls with insurance providers, surgical teams, and Queen’s Hospital have become part of their routine, but remain essential.

Your help sharing, engaging in, and giving any amount you can will help alleviate some of the incredible stress for the Giffords so that Kim can focus on the task ahead of healing. We are so grateful to all the kind souls helping one of the world’s greatest helpers. 

💜 Kim’s Medical Update 💜

Kim recently had new imaging to guide her upcoming surgeries in June in Hawaii. Sadly, it revealed disease progression, adding complexity to her case. 💔

🧠 She continues to suffer from intense swelling in her brain, head, neck, and torso.

📍 New diagnosis: Eagle’s Syndrome

 Abnormal bone growth (from hEDS) is crushing her Right Jugular Vein.

🩸 The veins draining her brain—her body’s “sewage pipes”—are overwhelmed and bulging.

❤️‍🔥 Severe inflammation is causing cognitive changes, major swelling, and painful fluid shifts. Getting dressed is a daily challenge.

Yet Kim continues to support others while enduring unimaginable discomfort.

👨‍⚕️ Her surgeons are working together like a think tank. The first surgery helped, but more is needed.

💸 The Giffords are now facing staggering medical costs in Hawaii. Daily insurance calls and hospital coordination are exhausting but necessary.

🙏 Please keep Kim and her family in your thoughts. Your love, shares, and support truly mean the world. 💜💪

🌐 Support & updates:

 linktr.ee/giffordfamilyhope

#TeamKim #SupportKimGifford #FunraiserForHealing #MedicalFundraiser #HealingIsPossible #ChronicIllnessWarrior #EDS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #MedicalJourney #BrainHealth #EaglesSyndrome #InvisiblyIll #DisabilityAwareness #HealthUpdate

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