Chris Irvine Care Fund

1/9/21:    Good afternoon, friends - it has been about 10 days since my last update here. Chris remains in ICU intubated for 28 days. He has, however, been moved from the Covid ward to a general ICU area. This means that his wife Carly is now able to sit with him and talk to him, read to him, and tell him how many people are thinking about him. Though he remains unconscious, there is no doubt he feels her presence there as she holds his hand. He has had some really good days as these things go, and then some bad days. Every day is a new story-- but he keeps fighting to come home. The medical team does expect this to continue to be a slow, hard, long fight. I also want to thank you for your efforts to exceed our goal of $25,000! Whether it is contributing $5, $10, $25, $100, or more it has made a HUGE difference. The link has been shared almost 2000 times. I was especially touched by a gift and message from one of the people he recently built a house for with Habitat. She felt it was the least she could do after he helped give her so much. I think we all have those sentiments and a story of how Chris has positively impacted us. Given that we are a month into this with him still not having come home, please know that continued donations will be needed for this family to get back to normal. Our contributions will enable them to focus on his recovery without financial strain. Please consider anything you feel comfortable giving - and even sharing this link if you cannot give. It all helps and is all appreciated. Thank you all again-- Scooter


12/22: Good evening - wanted to provide you some news about Chris. He is still in critical condition and relying on the ventilator...but there has been some positive progress. There is cause for optimism, though he remains very ill.

Chris is able to breathe to a small extent on his own for brief periods of time. The doctors have been able to reduce his level of sedation and take him off the paralytics. He is responsive to stimulus, such as the nurses pinching him. He has also been able to open his eyes just a little. All of this is promising.

Carly and Margaux were able to Facetime with him today. It was Margaux's first time seeing her dad since he was hospitalized, and she sang to him. They were able to see there was a reaction to her voice.

Tomorrow is Margaux's 6th birthday. The nursing staff made a handprint for a birthday card for her with Chris' palm. They plan to Facetime again tomorrow, and the nurses insist they are going to put a birthday party hat on his head for her. Carly cannot begin to convey how wonderful the entire medical team has been.



Also incredible is everyone who has reached out, prayed, shared the link, and contributed. This has meant the world to the family, and they cannot wait to share all the love when he wakes. On the 17th we achieved our initial goal of $15,000 after just 48 hours. We then increased it by $10,000 to a new goal of $25,000 - thinking this would take a lot longer to achieve after the initial outpouring of contributions. As of this evening - just 5 days later - we have collected another $6,000. We are now just over $21, 000 with $4,000 left to go to the new goal. Over half of this - $2400 - came in over the last 24 hours. These gifts have come from family, friends, former coworkers, classmates from VES and Mary Washington, Habitat, Rugby plays, and even from those who have never met Chris. 272 donations from as far away as Australia , and shared over 1000 times. "Thank You" seems so insufficient.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas; and as we head into the New Year please consider contributing if you can - in any amount you can. If you are unable to give, sharing this is also a huge help. Even if we reach our goal, it certainly will not be enough. But it will be a huge part of making 2021 much better for Chris and his family.

Love & Gratitude - Scooter






UPDATE (12/17):   We met our ambitious goal of $15,000 in exactly 48 hours:  200 donors generously contributing $300/hour and shared almost 1000 times.  Incredible.   We never thought that we would reach the goal so quickly - and we never thought the goal was enough.   Just as Chris' recovery will be a marathon and not a sprint, likewise with our fund-raising for this family.   Chris remains in critical condition and intubated in ICU.  We have added another $10,000 to the goal for a total of $25,000.   This additional goal will probably take longer to raise--and that is OK.   If you gave before and can give again, please consider it...even if it is a week or two from now.   If you were not able to contribute, and might be able to in a month, that is awesome.   Any amount is appreciated.   The need will still be there in a week and in a month.   If you can't give, then please share this campaign - each time it was shared, contributions came in, even from those who do not know Chris.     So let's run this marathon after this successful sprint.  To everyone who gave and who shared and who sent well-wishes to the family:  THANK YOU.  

Chris Irvine is in a hard fight with Covid-19.  He is in ICU and on a ventilator. Many people are supporting him and the family with well-wishes and prayers - and this has meant the world to them to feel that outpouring of love.   But this pandemic  does not just impact the health of those it attacks; it is also very much an economic disease, even for those who have not been infected by it.   All the more so for those actually suffering with such a severe manifestation of the virus, like Chris. 

Chris will not be able to work until he is fully recovered - and this will probably take longer than anyone would want or expect.  Despite Chris' strength, he is only human.   The mortgage and other bills will continue to come in, and he and his family need to be able to focus on his recovery-not wondering how to handle the finances.   Giving them some space to not have to worry will be an important part of reducing stress and recovery.

I have started this fundraiser for Chris, his wife Carly, and their precious ( SO precious) daughter Margaux.  I have been friends with Chris for almost 40 years; he is like a brother to me and this is the least I can do.  I am sure he has imparted happiness and optimism to your life as well.   He is a construction manager for Habitat for Humanity - forging a perfect job for him from two things he is really good at:   building things and helping people.   He was determined to finish this last house for its recipient in time for her to spend Christmas there; and now it is our turn to take that same urgent generosity he has displayed...and to turn it around.  



The goal is meant to approximate several months of need for Chris, Carly, and Margaux.   As stated above, this disease has hit many people hard financially, causing a loss or reduction of income for many.  This may be some of you.   No donation is too small and all will be appreciated - give what your circumstances will allow.   

There is light at the end of this long dark tunnel, but we are still in the tunnel.   I know that your continuing to reach out to the family and giving, if you are able, will offer a bit more light to this family.   Please share this funding page widely, as I know he has many wide circles of people who love him.

Scooter Wooldridge