Christine's Hope Fund

My momma, Christine Gettys, is the strongest, most determined woman I know. Unfortunately, life has handed her a deck of cards that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy.

Born premature, at only three pounds, doctors doubted her chance of surviving. However, as she always does, she pushed through. At age two, my mom was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Family members and doctors insisted she try to force herself to walk, so she could "look better" and not be an embarrassment. This constant trauma on her body causes extreme detoriation. By the time I was a young child, my mother was permanently placed in a wheelchair.

As a young child, I was homeschooled. Despite numerous hospitalizations, my mom did her best to be a great example to myself, my little brother, and three cousins whom we fostered. I learned at a young age that differences are not something to be ridiculed, but respected. It was fun to push around my mommy in a wheelchair and ride on her lap. I never could quite understand why she got funny looks and laughed at. This was my mommy, my best friend.

In 2004, my family moved cross country from Oregon to Virginia. Despite her illnesses, my mother completed her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Sciences, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She then got accepted to Hollins University, where she continues to push on in hopes of getting her Master's degree, all while working full time as an auditor at the Social Security Administration.

In 2009, my parents split up. While I lived with my dad for period of time, my mother single handedly raised my brother in his preteen years through his high school graduation. In December of 2014, my mom got married to a wonderful man who I can now call my stepdad.

Fast forward, to July of 2015. My mother is now diagnosed with more diseases than most people have ever heard of:
-Cerebral Palsy
-Quadriplegia Incomplete
-PTSD from physical, sexual, and mental abuse
-Bipolar Disorder
-Depression
-Bilateral Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
-Spinal Stenosis
-Left Glenoid Labral Tears
-Cervical Myalgia
-Osteoarthritis
-Incontinence
-Subchondral Cyst
-Paracentral Disk Extrusion from C7-T1
-Titanium Plates/Rods from C2-T1

After than 26 surgeries, with 14 being since just 2010, my Momma has had many near death experiences, yet somehow she prevails. She continues to live a happy life, provide for me and my brother, maintain a steady marriage, continue her education, volunteer in the community, attend church regularly, and substitute teach.

Unfortunately, doctors have given up on my mom. Multiple doctors have told her there is nothing more to be done, and refuse to work on her. As of recently, my mother has to be spoon fed, assisted in eating and writing, struggled with short term memory loss, and is struggling to continue living a normal life which she deserves.

Recently, we have found a glimpse of hope. The Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center in Columbia, New York, is considered a place of hope for forgotten adults with this tragic disease. My mother has been fortunate enough to get in contact with doctors at this location, who see possibility in her. However, due to extremely high expenses in sending my brother and I to college, purchasing a new home with get extensive modifications for her handicap accessibility, attempting to repair a handicap van that is barely in running condition but unable to be replaced due to lack of funds, and training her beloved dog Spices as a service and remediation dog, it is unlikely that she will be able to afford these treatments. Without the doctors at this location, my mom risks losing all movement in her joints and limbs, suffering brain damage, and eventually shortening her lifespan.

I am asking all of you--friends, family, coworkers, even complete strangers--please consider donating. Every dollar helps. All expenses will go directly to travel, accommodations, and medical bills. If nothing else, please share this to as many outlets as possible, and send good vibes.

My Momma has always made sure I make it through, and it's my turn to do the same for her. Thank you in advance.


(Links for background on my mom as well as the Cerebral Palsy center are attached)

Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center
Oregon State Recognition
Center for Forgotten Adults