When Devin Kalisz was rear-ended at a stoplight, she didn’t know the head injury she suffered when she hit the windshield would trigger a life-altering condition known as Chiari Malformation.
‘It took about a year from when I had the accident for them to figure out what it might be. The only way to find Chiari Malformation is through an MRI, insurance companies don’t like to do those unless there is some specific reason for it,? she said. ‘Luckily because of some of the symptoms I had, my doctor had remembered a patient he had years ago that had the same thing, so it kind of led me in the right direction.?
Kalisz said Chiari is very similar to MS (Multiple Sclerosis) where one can become paralyzed on one or both sides of their body. However, one difference is Chiari deals with an overcrowding of the brain, where one must undergo surgery to have the bottom of their skull taken out to make room.
Since having her first brain surgery, Kalisz said the Chiari has brought on other issues, such as falling down all the time and numbness throughout her body.
“I basically came to the realization that life was going to be different,? she said. ‘I’m 28 and have 10-year-old twins and married to a veteran who’s only been home for four years and recently lost his job.?
Kalisz decided to take her weakness and make it her strength by creating her own website (www.devinsdiary.com) where she has educated people, friends, family, and even doctors, as well as connected with other Chiari patients.
‘I’ve had a lot of traffic through my site, including people in Britain, London, and Europe,? Kalisz said. ‘It’s nice to know that there are other people who have the condition, but at the same time it’s nice to know that every person that knows about it, tells someone else and it’s also making a greater demand on the doctors to have to learn about it.?
She also has gone into local elementary schools in Brandon and Waterford and created ‘Disability Awareness Day.?
‘It’s cool because once they see what it’s like to be born with something like Chiari, or see what it’s like to be blind, or deaf, or not be able to use one part of your body, I think it gives them a different understanding,? she said. ‘I’ve worked hard to bring out that awareness and I think I’ve done a pretty good job.?
In addition, Kalisz received a proclamation from Governor Jennifer Granholm the past three years, making September ‘Chiari Awareness Month.? She was also able to make it happen in Ohio, Indiana, California, and Montana.
‘I’m currently working on other states through other people by having them write to their governor,? she said.
She’s been working on a book for the past three-and-a-half years, which she hopes will make a difference in other’s lives as well.
‘It’s all about dealing with this type of thing and taking the negative out of it and making it positive,? she said. ‘It’s Daily affirmation for living with a neurological condition, so it wouldn’t just apply to Chiari.?
Kalisz says it’s the strength and support of her husband Chris, and her kids Paige and Micah that helps her through the day, as well as her faith in God.
‘My husband is my rock, and my kids are amazing. I think I’ve taken the fact that I really want them to be really proud of who I am. I want to make a difference to them and to others,? she said. ‘If I’m going to get through this and be OK, a lot of it’s going to come through a positive attitude.?
Kalisz said she’s found a blessing in her friendship with Michelle Phaup and the ‘Lend a Helping Hand? Foundation.
‘She is the most inspiring positive person I’ve ever met and her friends are like that too,? Kalisz said.
Phaup and Lend a Helping Hand host a benefit for Kalisz on Oct. 3 at the Heart Community Center, 495 Broadway in Davisburg.
The benefit will include a charity motorcycle poker run, which will begin at noon. It’s $30 for single rider, $50 for double, and that includes food and entertainment after the ride.
Doors for the dinner benefit will open at 5 p.m. Tickets for just the dinner are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under, or $25 and $15 at the door.
There will also be a silent auction and live entertainment from Jason McCord and his band Flashback.
Phaup noted they still need businesses to donate for the silent auction.
For more information, visit www.lendahelpinghand.org or call Michelle Phaup at 248-394-1415 or 248-431-6727.
‘Devin is a very sweet and very positive person, especially for everything that she is going through, but at the same time she’s out there helping a lot of other people,? Phaup said. ‘Not a lot of people who are in need will take the time to help other people and she seems to be constantly thinking about helping other people.?