Fund for Christy

There is a friend I have bragged about over the years on social media. One of those people in your life you name-drop because they are so cool and so admirable. We met in college and found a kinship in philosophical talks and spirituality. I envied her writing skills and quiet way and deep mind. I cried as a bridesmaid in her wedding, knowing our friendship would be forever changed. I smiled from my soul when I met her in Seattle a year later to see her in her new home and fell in love with Washington state because of her. I was elated when she asked me to be her first baby’s godmother. And I watched in awe over the years as she brought four children into this world surrounded by peace and intentionality and grace. 

 Her home is full of the same intentional grace. And she and Adam have worked so hard over the years to see their dreams realized. They bought a struggling coffeeshop several years ago on the coast and turned it into a major success that culminated with a feature in Sunset Magazine. And with some very savvy business acumen, they started and grew an online vintage clothing business that became profitable enough to allow them to take the next step . They sold the coffeeshop, bought an RV, and traveled the country with their four children for a year-and-a-half, experiencing life in a way I could only dream of.

 For as long as I’ve known Christy she has brought magic and peace into this world. She is truly a friend you feel honored to call your own. She is a friend I would do anything for…

 My dear friend Christy is very sick. After a bout of food poisoning, her digestive system took a major hit, and she became one of the many people who develop debilitating Ulcerative Colitis after a stomach illness. It’s not a glamorous illness. Perhaps this is the reason she hasn’t talked about it and not many of her friends are even aware that she’s been so ill. She has been hospitalized, had numerous ER visits, misdiagnosed a few times (Zika and West Nile viruses, to name a few), been prescribed steroids and chemotherapy medications, and suffered horrible headaches and pain. At one point, last summer, she lost twenty-five pounds in two weeks. Her children have suffered so much watching their mom go through this. And Adam has been forced to run all the businesses, in addition to working multiple part-time jobs.

As Adam manages the entire household and income while Christy is often bed-ridden, their income has decreased dramatically. Their debt, which didn’t exist two years ago, is growing rapidly. They are suffering, just as any of us would be if one of the bread winners in our households were incapacitated and unable to work. They need our help.

 When I told them I wanted to do this, they immediately rejected the idea. Never having or needing to ask for charity or help in the past, they didn’t want to do it this time. But I promised them I would handle it with discretion and make sure you knew that they have literally been doing everything they can and are still falling behind.

The money raised for her will go towards a test that her insurance company won’t cover – a test that has been highly effective in other Ulcerative Colitis patients in determining the cause behind these flare-ups she experiences. That test costs $450. She also has a monthly, out-of-pocket medication cost of $450. I would love to exceed that goal and provide them with additional funds to get ahead a little bit.

I am hoping you can give to Christy and her family. I am hoping you will share this page with your friends. I am hoping you can imagine how quickly any one of us could be in this same scenario. Please give as you are able. Thank you.

Victoria Spearman Nunes