This is the face of CHIARI Shannon Hudson Terry (1969-2011) Shannon passed away from complications related to the management of her severe Chiari symtoms. This website is dedicated to her memory and the hope that the information here will help someone seek and find an early diagnosis of and treatment for this terrible disease

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Mission Statement

Shannon’s Hope Foundation is dedicated to improving awareness of Chiari malformation to better facilitate early diagnosis of this condition. Read More →
Like many people, we had never heard of Chiari malformation – until its complications claimed the life of our daughter, Shannon, in the summer of 2011. In this serious neurological disorder, the cerebellum descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, causing severe headaches and other debilitating symptoms. As a physician, you can play a critical part in fighting this terrible disease. Chiari malformation is notoriously difficult to diagnose, but awareness of the symptoms and other facts about it across the physician community will hopefully help more people get a proper diagnosis on a timely basis. There is a wide range of common Chiari malformation symptoms, but specific symptoms and their severity vary, and an MRI is necessary to verify a diagnosis. Consequently, people often go for years without a proper diagnosis, delaying the opportunity to seek treatment. We experienced firsthand the frustration of the lack of information and awareness during the long period that the family struggled to find the correct diagnosis for Shannon. Our goal is to raise awareness of Chiari malformation among physicians like you. To that end, Dr. K. Michael Webb, a neurosurgeon with Neuro Texas PLLC, Austin, Texas, has agreed to generously share his extensive knowledge about the disease. On the following pages, you’ll find:
  • Valuable facts from Dr. Webb about Chiari malformation
  • Additional detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
  • A personal appeal from another of your physician colleagues, Dr. Richard Parker
Please take five minutes to review this information. If we can help just one person get the proper diagnosis, all efforts will have been rewarded. Thank you for your time, consideration, and help in the effort to conquer Chiari.

Sincerely,
David and Prudence Hudson
DHudson@Shannons-Hope.org