Everyone’s life journey has stepping stones that are laid in our paths, some amazing and some tragic. We, unfortunately, don’t always have a say in the path laid before us and must rely on ourselves and our loved ones while striving to overcome life’s most arduous times.

My sister, Christa Moore, is facing some of the most difficult steps she has encountered in her life and could use all those who love her to assist along this journey. In early October of this year, she found out breast cancer had been laid in her life’s path. It’s been a rollercoaster of appointments and emotions ever since. She has invasive lobular carcinoma and the treatment will be surgery, radiation, and then a chemo pill for 5 years. At least, that is the plan right now, but these types of events can be ever-changing, and flexibility will be key.

The difficulty of navigating doctors’ appointments, FMLA, insurance, fatigue, stress, pain, and the fear of the unknown during this journey has been overwhelming at times. She was supposed to have surgery on November 30th, but an unexpected Covid diagnosis altered that. Surgery was postponed until December 21st. Then, on the 13th of December, a colonoscopy and endoscopy at MD Anderson created another obstacle. The anesthesiologist decided it was best to intubate her for the procedure because she was still slightly congested after having Covid.

During the colonoscopy, she had severe bronchospasms, and they were unable to finish the colonoscopy due to her oxygen levels dropping drastically. They are still unsure what caused this to happen. Her lungs are clear, but it could have been a reaction to the propofol. Because of this, surgery yet again has been postponed until February 10th. In the meantime, they have scheduled appointments to see a cardiopulmonologist along with a Neuro Oncologist to determine if there was nerve damage done to her mouth when being intubated.

It’s been extremely difficult to comprehend, and the ever-changing journey has taken a mental and emotional toll. Some days she feels fine, and others, she is so exhausted that getting out of bed is a success. She is still very hopeful that all of this is going to get better and is grateful to live in such close proximity to MD Anderson. She has exhausted all of my FMLA pay and is basically living off of the little bit of savings from the sale of her house.

She is ready to be back at work and have a sense of normalcy but is not quite sure when that will be. Being away from her campus and students is one of the hardest parts for her. She doesn’t want the students to feel abandoned, and I hope that all of us during this time will make efforts to ensure she does not feel abandoned as well. The journey she is on can be lonely and obviously ever-changing, with twists and turns along the way. I know more than anything; she is just ready to be well so she can get back into the business of making art with kids and helping to guide them through high school with love, compassion, and empathy.

We are asking, those who can, to walk beside Christa during this process in whatever way you are able. She loves hard and has overcome so many tumultuous times throughout her life. She has only been able to do that because of her fortitude and, most importantly, the love of those around her during the darkest days. Any help during this time is greatly appreciated. As you can imagine, even with insurance getting treatment is very expensive, and she has wanted to do this entirely on her own. Still, the financial burden is another stress that I hope we can come together to relieve a portion of. She will continue down this journey as long as it takes and we are asking that you help her along this road.

I hope each step she takes will be encouraged by the support of those who love her.

Thank you, and keep my Sista Chresta in your prayers.