Christina was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in 2016. Since then, she and our family have been navigating the heartbreaking reality of a disease that slowly takes away pieces of the person we love so deeply.

Christina has tried a variety of therapies in hopes of slowing the progression. Despite these efforts, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease with very limited treatment options, and Christina is experiencing the cognitive changes that pose challenges to her independence and sense of self. Christina knows what’s in store for her future as she cared for her mother who passed of Parkinson's disease far too young.

After further testing, it has been determined that Christina is a strong candidate for Lecanemab, a highly promising new therapy designed to help slow the progression of Alzheimer's. Researchers are excited for this treatment and believe strongly that it can have a major impact, potentially giving patients ten additional years of life, as well as a better quality of life. This treatment offers us hope, and could change the future of Alzheimer’s treatment, but it comes at a significant cost. It is administered biweekly for eighteen doses, and with a cost of approximately $2,000 per dose, places a heavy financial burden on our family. Christina will also require constant monitoring to ensure her safety during treatment, meaning her husband and sole provider for the household, Julian, will need to cease working in order to care for her full time, adding to the financial strain.

Christina is the best mom, friend, wife, aunt, sister, and cousin anyone could ask for. She is the glue that holds our family together. Coming from a childhood of trauma and abuse, she has never allowed that to harden her heart. She has worked extremely hard, including serving in the Canadian military, to support her son as a single mother, and to care for every single member of her extended family with unparalleled love, kindness, and generosity. She is a constant source of love, strength, and kindness for everyone that is lucky enough to call her family or friend. She brings light into every room she enters and would do anything for the people she loves.

In recent years, Christina and her husband have hosted several international students, which gave Christina a great deal of happiness as she had even more people to dote on. Students staying at other homes regularly requested to be transferred to Christina’s home, having seen how well their friends were being cared for. She can never do enough for others, and even during this time where she needs the support of others, she still insists on helping everyone else (especially feeding you delicious food until you need to be rolled out the door!). The world deserves to have her light stay brightly lit.

We are asking for your support to help give Christina more time - more moments, more memories, and more chances to be surrounded by the people who love her so deeply. Any contribution, big or small, means the world to our family. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would help us immensely.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and for being part of Christina’s journey.