Update as of August 1st:

So, we lost Kristi on 7.31.23. I wanted to update the purpose of this platform now in the event it receives any more donations. From this point forward it will be used to help our family cover her memorial and burial expenses.

From Facebook: She [Kristi] was just absolutely, authentically herself and it wouldn't even do her justice to try and put it into words so I'm not going to right now. Because if you knew her, you just knew.

I will say that it was a long, hard fight for her... but the time we had will always be too short for us. The whole world seems different. I'm happy that she was at home. I'm happy we were all able to spend these last few weeks with her. And I'm happy I was holding her hand when she left.

On behalf of our family I just want to thank everyone for everything they have said and done for us. We appreciate it more than I can say and it truly means so much.

Hey! I'm Kim, Kristi's oldest daughter. I'm starting this fundraiser for her to help with expenses while she sorts things out with her insurance.

She was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. She can no longer work and is receiving chemo and immunotherapy treatments while trying to navigate this diagnosis and what it means for her future.

She has valid insurance policies and has been employed full time since she was a teenager. Her current employer is wonderful and supportive but the insurance... well, to say she is getting an absolute run around as far as them paying out for her terminal illness coverage is the nicest way I can put it. So, despite qualifying for and turning in all of the necessary documentation for her coverage she is receiving nothing.

My mom is caring, empathetic, hilarious, beautiful and creative. She has always put other people before herself. Whenever you need her she is there- whether you are family, friend or stranger. She volunteers, donates, creates and shares whatever and whenever she can. This is the time for us to do the same for her.

That is why I'm creating this. Please share. Any little bit definitely helps. I've also included a statement from my mom below. Thanks for reading!

From Kristi:

I'd like to add some info about me for those of you that don't know me. I just turned 54 in July... I've spent the last 35 years being a mom, grammy, daughter, sister, employee, friend, etc. My youngest daughter and granddaughter are both starting their senior year of high school while my older 2 girls are adults. I was just now learning how to go out and do things that I want to do... hang out at my 3 favorite local bars (State Street, Tundra & Black Sheep) with friends, go play bingo, enjoy outdoor music events, work on my side business, etc. Then the week of June 16 everything started to change. I was with friends watching the Glam Band that weekend and then was just beat the next few days. A friend was diagnosed with pnemonia, so I went in as well. They gave me meds, but that didn't clear it. Followed up with a CT scan and an MRI. A bronchoscopy confirmed small cell lung cancer. Non-operable. That was June 28. I started chemo & immunotherapy the week of July 18 and just completed the 2nd round.

It's been a roller coaster, to say the least. I've been off of work since 6/16 with only short-term disability as income which is only 60% of my normal pay; all taxes, insurances and deductions are taken off of that in full. I do have a critical illness policy, but they are messing around with paying it, so things are beyond tough right now.

Any good thoughts, prayers, vibes, voodoo, shares, etc. are greatly appreciated by me and my family.

Thank you!