Give Chris and Carolyn a hand!

Hi Everyone – I’m Peggy Yates, reaching out to ask for help for my brother, Chris, and his wife, Carolyn. 
 
Carolyn, at 52, is in her fourth year of battling Corticobasal Degeneration, a terminal disease, extremely rare in people her age. It affects her movement, speech, cognitive abilities, and just about everything that is second nature to most of us. The condition lies between Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's. It’s becoming extremely difficult for Carolyn to accomplish simple tasks.  There is no treatment and no cure.

Until just a few years ago, Carolyn was a thriving actor, teacher, wife and mother.  She is one of ten children who grew up in NY. An active and athletic kid, Carolyn was a competitive gymnast before pursuing a BFA in theatre from Catholic University.

After graduating, Carolyn toured with the National Players and performed in productions across the country, in leading roles at regional theatres like Olney Theatre Center where she played Helen Keller in the critically acclaimed production of The Miracle Worker. Carolyn and Chris married in 2003 and they settled in New York where they are raising Matt (16) and Theo (10). Until her recent illness, Carolyn taught English in the NY public school system. 

Carolyn, extremely active into her late 40s, is now facing challenges with speaking, walking, eating, dressing, and simple everyday tasks. Her extended family is helping with various challenges but we need help affording a house renovation that will ensure their home is safe and accessible into the future.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Estimates have placed the renovation at about $25,000.  If you are able to share this campaign and help us get the word out and/or help with defraying the cost of the renovation,  Chris, Carolyn, Matt and Theo, and their entire family will all be forever grateful!