Thank you all for for visiting! Please if you have questions for me post them on my forum so that others can also see the answers.
Or if it is of more of a personal nature please feel free to email me at devinkal@hotmail.com
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I would like to know what you think about our web site. Please leave your comments in this public guest book, and let me know how you found my site, so we can share your thoughts with other visitors. BE SURE TO PLEASE SIGN A FIRST NAME AND IF YOU WISH, SEND ME A QUICK EMAIL SO I CAN SAY THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO VISIT.
Hey Dev, Be well baby! Steve
I enjoy your site and speaking with you sorry if this posts twice if not then i did it correctly nancy
It was so nice talking to you, I hope that if their is someone that is thinking about doing the surgery or not to send them my way. Yes it hurt BUT I would do it again, if it ment having one day much less one year with out pain and few problems, "I would do it". Yes nothing is a 100% BUT even 5% or 80% is better than noghting. For the longest time I thought Why me. But now I know I have a family of friends that understand, maybe not why but what is going on.
Marshall Mathers Apr 6 2007 8:35P Heyy.Jus stoppin by to say hey and show you some luv. love always, Marshall
Thank you for all your support. You are a very inspiring, amazing person... Kelsey, Missouri
Thank you for all your support. You are a very inspiring, amazing person... Kelsey, Missouri
Marshall Mathers ![]() |
Apr 6 2007 8:35P Heyy.Jus stoppin by to say hey and show you some luv. love always, Marshall |
Hey Devin, one year has past and your light still shines bright. May you always be able to keep it that way. Love, Kevin
Hi there! I am another Michigander that is headed to TCI soon for Chiari type symptoms/surgery. I am so sorry that you have had it so hard but Im thankful that you have the courage to fight for awareness. You GO GIRL!!!!! I would be happy to sign a petition if you have one for a Chiari awareness day. Bethany bethanyatg@yahoo.com
Better late than never, right? Sorry that I am a day late... It has been a rough year for you and I am sorry that you are still in pain. Keep your head up, it will get better! Talk to you soon, Kim
Ok so I'm a just a little late but CONGRATS! It's been a long year for you but I've seen so many great changes in you. Keep spreading awareness and good luck in your years ahead. I love you...You make me proud! Sherry
Hey Devin, Congrats on your 1 year. I hope your feeling well and all is the best for you. Diana
Congrats Devin! You are doing such a wonderful thing with this> You are an inspiration to everyone! Love and miss ya, Kelly
Devin: Congratulations! What a major milestone! Your site look's great. You are doing a great thing with this website. It's great to have a support group that is open and honest. I hope that you are feeling better. Fay
hey Devin thanks for adding me! I have not yet decided if I should have the surgery, I'm terrified and am TRYING to deal with my symptoms so far, it's a tough day to day frustrating struggle with headaches, fatigue, well i'm sure you know! just not being able to be and do the things you should be able to at this age is depressing, which does not help :) i'd love to chat more about this and will check out your site! congrats on 1 year past surgery!!!!!!!! hope to talk to you soon, Stacy
This is amazing! You have opened yourself in a way that many others would not dare to do. Congratulations on your one year REcovery. Macey, Ohio
This is amazing! You have opened yourself in a way that many others would not dare to do. Congratulations on your one year REcovery. Macey, Ohio
Well your 1 year is here i have to say you are one of the strongest women i have ever met. I have known you for 12 years now you have been through so much and over came so much. I know how important it is for you to put out all the information there is for Chiari, and it is great. I wanted to tell you how proud i am of you and all you have done. Happy 1 year i know it's been hard. Remember i'm your friend i'm here for you whenever you need me. Keep on spreading all your information about Chiari. Love you Brea
Congratulations to you. Congratulations to you. Hugs and Hope to you for ever. Feel better! Jody, TN
Congratilations, Devin. I hope that you are feeling much better. I know the road is long and rough with Chiari. Hang in there. CONGRATS! Lynn,Ohio
Hey Devin, I wanted to stopped by a sign in...and remind you how awesome it is that I have met a friend like you not only to be inspirational, but to understand how just knowing ahead of time a little more, before surgery can, be enablig and smooth of any rough surfaces. Thanks for being a great advocate and friend, much love & appreciation. Christa
Five Lessons to Make Us Think About the Way We Treat People! These should all be read. Good tips for life. 1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy. 2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 P.M., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole. 3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip. 4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path. In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. 5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts... Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it, if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. This inspired me and I thought it would inspire you and all of the people who have lived through Chiari. Love ya lots!! Lisa
As an individual with CHIARI I am blown away by your courage to put your pictures out there. I had decompression surg. in March and 1 yr. later I am still sensitive about my scar and back of head! What you are doing is great. You are helping so many. I found lots of inspiration and support here,we are not alone and i like that feeling thank you!
Hi Devin... Almost a year post-op, yay for you!! I am sorry to hear that you are still having issues. I DO know how difficult that is, especially with children. Although this disease stinks, the people are wonderful and are what has helped me keep my head above water!! Gentle hugs to all of you! Jennifer in PA Chiari I - decompressed 7/2001, revised 9/2002 Pseudotumor Cerebri - shunted 6/2006, revised 8/06, 1/07 & 3/07.
I think it's great that you have this website and put a "connection" out there for us "Chiarians" Carrie
ALMOST ONE YEAR FOR YOU, AND LOOK AT THE CONTACTS ON YOUR MYSPACE PAGE FOR CHIARI! YOU ARE LIVING YOUR DREAM DEVIN, CONGRATS. KEEP UP THE HARD/GOOD WORK AND DEDICATION. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!
I am coming up on a year April 9th. I had my surgery done at UPMC hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. I was in a point of now return. I can't beleave that all the headache and nerve problems were all in my head, lol. I am sure the jokes just go on with you too. I have to laugh, if not I would not have made it. Dana
I am coming up on a year April 9th. I had my surgery done at UPMC hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. I was in a point of now return. I can't beleave that all the headache and nerve problems were all in my head, lol. I am sure the jokes just go on with you too. I have to laugh, if not I would not have made it. Dana Briley
Keep your spirit up, your heart open and continue to heal gracefully. take it all one day at a time! Anonymous
OMG! This is an amazing site. Your courage and openess to share such a personal issues with others is amazing! How do you feel now? I see you almost hit your one year anniv. that is great. I am 2 years post-op and still have much pain and issues. I hope this finds you in good spirits and with many around you to love and support you. Chiari is such a scary disease! All my support, Kelley, Minnesota
hey devin i miss you so much. how have you been? how are the kids doing? >>>Lisa <3 keep smiling and fighting hun!!
hi devin, its lisa, i miss you hun. how are you and the kids doing?
Devin, This website is GREAT! I can't believe how much you have done. It is very courageous of you to talk about such personal issues and your life. Like others have said, You are inspirational! I may not know you at all but as a fellow Chiari patient, I can definately relate. Only difference is that I didnt have the courage, patience or self confidence to talk so openinly about my own pain. Keep it up! JAMIE, Michigan
love ya babe....Tatt Boy
test 2
Kathy: I need your email address! Please contact me with it...... Thank You, Devin
Hi Devin - Its been awhile since I've e-mailed you. I am now 2 years post surgery (11/2/04) and family, friends, and co-workers marvel at the difference it has made. I'm not sure I would still be around without the expertise of Dr. Grain. Hang in there - I hope you feel better - and just remember how far you have come. If you ever need to talk - just let me know. Kathy
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, DEVIN. I HOPE THAT YOU ARE STILL FIGHTING AND HANGING IN THERE! I LIKE THE NEW PICTURES THAT YOU HAVE ADDED TO THE SITE! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. WHEN'S YOUR NEXT SURGERY?
Devin, You are such an inspiration to so many, those of us that know you personally, and those that only know you by your website. I am grateful that our paths have crossed and we have become friends. You and your family have been through so much, may God bless you all from here on out. You certainly deserve it! You are always in my prayers. Love ya, Sherri Schwerin
THIS LOOKS GREAT!
THIS LOOKS GREAT!
Devin, This is Bob Weingartz. You have been through so much. I just wish I could have done more for you. This site must be very encouraging to others with the same plight as yours. Looking forward to seeing you and your family soon. I usually go to early service (9:00) and sit on right side. Bob
Awesome Site...Thank you for sharing. This is such a great thing. Your story is amazing; it truly is. ANDIE, OHIO
Great job guys..
Very needed information found here, thank you for your work
Hello, very nice site!
Hi, nice site! <
Wow, I am stunned by the scar you have. How long did it take for it to heal and for your hair to grow back?
Happy Holidays. I hope that you are recovering well. Any more surgeries in your near future?
Great Support System here. Do you have an online blog?
This is such a neat website. Your pictures are such a inspiration to those of us going through ACM.
Jim, LUBBOCK, TEXAS
Thanks for sharing your Chiari journey with others. KC in Michigan (surgery 1999, UCLA)
Devin, I must admit I'm totally ignorant of this condition but you are right, meeting you afterwords and then seeing the pictures reveals an incredible difference! The site looks awesome and I can't say enough about your efforts to share your info and help others through the journey. To them, you are truly a Godsend!! (your wedding photographer) Lou.
hey babe, you have your guest book now
Devin, The site looks great! You are doing a good thing...I know it will help others deal and cope with Chiari. Kim
Hello Devin, you are indeed helping other people, I sincerely hope others in your situation find comfort and hopefully piece of mind on this page. They should realize that if a mother of young twins can do it, that they certainly can do it too. Your neck is healing nicely and you should be back to normal in no time. I love you princess....!! Timothy John Perkins 4/27/2006
Good job guys! I'm sure with all the research that you will and have gathered and personal experience you will help a lot of people.
Great job with the website! Our prayers are with you and your family and all that must deal with this. Your courage will be an inspiration to everyone who visits here! thank you!
Nice site Devin, Chip www.wacma.com World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association
Love ya Devin! Keep up the fight! VALENTINA www.ValentinasSecret.com
Devin, We All here at Clean Cars and Trucks are so happy that you are recovering so well. You display an enormous amount of courage and positive thinking, such a strong will will always help carry you through the rough parts of life. We are here for you if you ever need anything. God bless you and all you are doing to help others in the same situation. Go Devin!!!! You are such an awesome person to know. I hope the rest of the healing process goes better for you, We all do. Best wishes from all of us!!!!!!!! Heather Bowser.
This website is amazing! You are such a great person to be spreading awareness to others about this disorder. I had this disorder also and had decompression surgery, like yourself in June of 2005.This was the hardest thing I have ever dealt with. I am completly paralyzed on my left side/arm/hand now, BUT NO HEAD ACHES!! I will be having a second surgery in 2 weeks. KEEP UP THE FIGHT. I know it hurts like hell but, by month 5 or 6 your head/neck/shoulders should be a lot better. BE STRONG AND GOD BLESS. Julie, Minnesota
Keep up the fight and thank you for helping people like ourselves with this at times, unbearable disorder. KELLY, MI YAHOO
I really found that this site is wonderful. I was just diagnosed with Chiari Malformation I and an researching the surgery aspect. I need as much help as I can get. Your inspirational page is awesome and it will help many. I would love to read your journal to see what I am due to expect after surgery. I hope that you finish it soon. Please keep adding inspirational pieces also because, that really gave me hope! Will you sell Chiari ribbons on this site eventually? Do you have or can you add more current pictures of what your head and neck look like now? I am sorry, I am just afraid and need someone to talk to who has experienced this surgery. Thank you. Tracey dicoolaw@yahoo.com
Devin, Your site looks great! I know how much this meant to you. Keep up the good work on educating the ones who need help with this disorder. Breann
Devin- Good job with the site. You truly are an amazing person and you are doing a wonderful thing having this site. Keep up the good work. Love ya lots, Sherry
Devin- You are such an amazing person. Your strength and positivity will get you exactly where you need to be. I am VERY proud of you and the things you are doing to help and educate others. Keep up the GREAT job girlie. Heather (Sherry's sis) (tinkerflypunkie@aol.com)
Hey Devin, Glad to see that you are doing well and are in great spirits now. Hope things continue to go well for a quick recovery. Melinda
Hi. I was given your site, and it is amazing. My sister had Chiari Malformation 0 and was in no shape to do anything after her surgery for nearly 4 months! I cant believe that you had yours not to long ago and have a webpage with the courage to display your own pictures! My sister would not let anyone look at the back of her head let alone display it publicly. I think it is truly amazing! I read your other comments and it is apparent that many feel the same way. I too hope that you get your journal completed and that you most "current" pictures if you don't mind. I shared this site with her ( my sis) and she was blown away. She thinks it is so cool. Katie
This site is so cool. How did you initialy get Chiari?? How did you find the right doctors? Will you include info like that on here eventually? The pictures are pretty graphic but as a fellow Chiari patient I once had them too! It feels like only yesterday. Amy, Chiari Malformation 0
You are a damn strong woman, Miss. Devin. You put your ALL into everything that you do and I am SO proud of you. You will definately make a difference in others lives with this website. Keep up the good work.