Connecticut mom finds healing and hope after cross-country journey to undergo rare spinal surgery in Arizona to remove dangerous malformation

(Middlebury, CT – May 6, 2026) – After traveling more than 2,000 miles to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix for rare spinal surgery, a Connecticut mom is looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day surrounded by her family, reflecting on how far she’s come and dreaming of new adventures.

“This Mother’s Day, I’m just so grateful to be truly present with and healthy for my children,” said Sabrina Mancini of Middlebury, Conn. “For years, my health overshadowed so much of motherhood. Now, I’m able to look forward to watching my children grow up and make new memories with them every day. It truly is the greatest gift of all.”

Sabrina, 49, a wife and mother of two, first experienced symptoms nearly a decade ago when she was pregnant with her son. While showering she felt a distinct ‘pop’ in her back and temporarily lost sensation in her legs. In the years that followed, her neurological symptoms worsened and she soon struggled to walk independently. 

Eventually, advanced imaging revealed Sabrina had a cavernous malformation in her spinal cord which is a rare cluster of abnormal blood vessels that can bleed and damage surrounding tissue, causing severe impairment.

The dire news led Sabrina on a desperate search for expert care. Cavernous malformations in the brain and spine are uncommon and highly complex to treat, but if left unattended it would eventually result in paralysis. 

Sabrina interviewed numerous surgeons across Connecticut, hoping to find one with extensive experience in the delicate procedure required to remove it. However, she often found that while many were skilled, their experience with cases as intricate as hers was limited.

Sabrina broadened her search, which ultimately led her to Barrow Neurological Institute’s second opinion program. Through the online portal, she was able to connect with Dr. Michael T. Lawton, a renowned vascular neurosurgeon and president and CEO of Barrow, who has treated more than 100 patients with spinal cord cavernous malformations throughout his distinguished career. Barrow is part of Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. 

"Spinal cord cavernous malformations are incredibly rare, and that rarity makes them exceptionally tricky to treat," Dr. Lawton explained. "Most neurosurgeons simply don't get enough experience with them, especially since we're dealing with a structure as delicate and critical as the spinal cord. Any slight misstep can have a huge neurological impact. My work here at Barrow, however, has allowed me to truly understand these complex cases, refine our surgical approaches, and ultimately optimize outcomes for patients like Sabrina who need that specific, expert care."

Driven by hope of reclaiming her life and her ability to be the active mom she longed to be, Sabrina made the cross-country trip from Connecticut to Phoenix for her surgery at Barrow in January 2024. Dr. Lawton successfully removed the cavernous malformation, which was about the size of a grape, during a complex surgery lasting more than six hours.

“I knew there was a chance of complications if I went through with the surgery,” said Sabrina. “But, afterwards I remember being so happy when I opened my eyes just enough to see my toes wiggle, knowing the biggest hurdle was behind me and I couldn’t wait to work hard and return home to my children.”

Sabrina spent the next 10 days at Barrow, where physical therapists helped her transition from a wheelchair to a walker as she prepared to be discharged and continue rehabilitation closer to home.

Since her surgery, Sabrina has learned to walk independently and she successfully completed a driver modification program which taught her to drive using a left-foot accelerator which is her stronger leg. 

She’s also returned to traveling with her family. Last summer she took a trip to Aruba with her husband, Libero, and children, Ella, 12, and Enzo, 10. They are now eagerly looking forward to exploring Europe together this summer.

“This Mother’s Day, I’m reflecting on how truly blessed I am,” said Sabrina. “Traveling across the country for spine surgery was something I never expected. But that decision led me to the right team, at the right time. I credit Barrow and Dr. Lawton for giving my children their mom back. Now, I have a greater appreciation for every milestone, every trip and every new memory I get to make with my family instead of searching for answers on my health.”

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