Our mom, Kristen Decker, a devoted mother of six and grandmother of nine with one more on the way this November, is now facing the hardest challenge of her life. Kristen has already survived three aortic dissections, each one a miracle in itself. Now she must undergo an incredibly complex open-heart surgery in Kansas City to repair her aorta and heart valve on October 9th. To complete this surgery, doctors will have to reroute blood to her brain while they work on her heart. The risks are very high, but without it, she will not survive.

Kristen’s journey has been filled with health struggles, yet she has always fought to stay with her family just a little longer. She is the most creative and hardworking person we know. She can craft, sew, paint, draw, build, cook, and even renovate a home. She pours her whole heart into every project and every relationship. Her greatest joy is her family, and she dreams of holding her newest grandbaby this November.

We, her children Brady, Mandy, Kendra, BreAnna, Keil, and Jacob, are doing everything we can to be at her side. But because the surgery is far from home, the costs of travel, hotels, meals, and time away from work are overwhelming. If the worst should happen, this may be our last chance to be with her, and we cannot let her face it without her family close by.

Your support will go directly toward making sure Kristen has her loved ones by her side through this critical time. Donations will help cover travel, food, hotels, and lost income so we can focus completely on her fight for life. Every single gift matters, whether it pays for a night of lodging, a tank of gas, or a meal during the long hospital days.

Kristen is more than her illness. She is our mom, our grandmother, and the center of our family. She is the kind of person who never gives up, who works tirelessly for those she loves, and who inspires us with her strength. With your help, she has a chance to keep fighting, to keep creating, and to keep making memories with the family who loves her more than words can say.

Please consider donating or sharing this page to help us give Kristen more time, more hope, and the chance to meet her new grandbaby in November. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.