Support for Chris Driskell & Family

It’s been two weeks since this journey began for the Driskell family and we are deeply touched and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from all of you. We have been amazed to witness love on display from people we know very well to those we’ve never met.

After careful consideration and lots of prayer, we believe the next step is to launch this fundraiser to help cover a part of their medical expenses. On behalf of my entire family, we appeal to you, our community, our friends, and our family, to consider a financial gift if you are able.

If a contribution is not possible in your current situation, know that we appreciate your prayers for Chris and his family as much as any gift.

Why Is There a Need?

My sister, Rachel, is a self-employed wedding photographer.  Because of Chris's declining health, Rachel has been the sole provider for their household for the past year or so. Purchasing health insurance was not a viable option for them.

Like so many other self-employed families, they weighed the cost and made the tough decision to forgo insurance.  As many of you know, these plans have very high deductibles, very high premiums, and not very good coverage of actual medical expenses.

Backstory:

Chris’ symptoms first began about three years ago when he had a sudden onset of double vision. He began experiencing back pain, fatigue, headaches, and an overall feeling that something was amiss, all of which worsened as time went on.

In the months leading up to his diagnosis, and in addition to all of the above ailments, he experienced vertigo, throbbing in his eye, severe headaches in the back of his head, and overwhelming pressure in his head.

On May 5th, they were at home when Chris had what they thought was a seizure that lasted about a minute. He seemed fine afterward, but the next morning they went to their family doctor and were sent for a CT.

We now know that episode was likely a drop in blood sugar and/or blood pressure. We believe this was the event that saved his life after learning he was at high risk for a herniated brain stem from the build-up of pressure caused by the tumor, which could’ve stopped his breathing.

The following afternoon Chris was told to go to the ER, that the scan showed a brain tumor. Less than 24 hours later, he was transferred to MD Anderson, where he remains at this time.

Latest Updates:

A biopsy was done on 5/17, and we expect the pathology report within the next couple of days. They also placed a tube that allows the accumulated fluid to drain. He has already felt relief from headaches and double vision since this procedure.

On Friday, 5/21, he will have a permanent ventricular shunt placed to keep fluid from accumulating again. Pending the biopsy result, the plan going forward will likely be outpatient radiation to shrink the tumor.

At present, things are headed in a positive and hopeful direction and Chris is doing very well. We all miss him so much and pray he can come home soon to his family. As you know, NO VISITORS - not even his wife, have been able to be with Chris since his admission to MD Anderson on May 8th, almost 2 weeks ago.

Thank you all, and God bless.