Help Kristen Fight for More Time with Loved Ones

Imagine for just a moment that you’ve been diagnosed with an aggressive terminal illness.

Imagine that in order to just extend your life, you must endure radiation & chemotherapy for as long as your body can withstand the treatments. The treatments lower your immune system because as much as they are trying to fight the illness, they are also fighting healthy cells.

Now imagine that you are a nurse and are exposed to patients with all kinds of illnesses regularly but that’s how you pay your bills and earn a living. Imagine being told that you cannot go back to that job because the risk is just too high if you want to fight for what’s left of your life.

Our kind and beautiful friend, Kristen, recently went to the ER after suffering for several weeks with shortness of breath and acute pain in her ribs. A chest X-ray revealed a rare pancoast tumor in her lung for which there is no cure, only management. After being referred to oncology for next steps, Kristen was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the lungs with metastasis to the liver and abdominal wall. Radiation began immediately to shrink the size of the tumor and chemotherapy began a day later to start the arduous process of fighting back the cancer.

Kristen is an avid reader who loves a good fantasy or dark romance. She’s an incredible supporter of many different authors often arc reading, reviewing, and recommending books to friends and followers in the ever-growing BookTok community. Her insightful comments, bright smile, and kind words draw people to her instantly!

In addition to being a nurse, Kristen is also an accomplished deep sea diver and photographer! She has faced sharks, silently swam with giant manta rays, played with sea lion pups and enjoyed sharing space with her favorite sea creature, the octopus! Her wish is to be able to visit her favorite spot at the ocean one last time before her fight is finished.

Even though she has a terminal diagnosis, Kristen exudes a positive but realistic attitude. She has applied for FMLA in an effort to maintain her insurance coverage and receive a portion of her regular pay however she has been working two part-time nursing jobs and the initial response is that she will not qualify for FMLA.

She has also applied for disability since her doctors strongly advised against her going back to work - her immune system just won’t hold up to that environment. To that end, funds donated will go to assist Kristen in paying for everyday life and medical expenses.

Kristen has an amazing group of friends and family who are lifting her up with love and support. Her best friend and roommate, Laura, is by her side every day but is also working to maintain their home. We would love to give them the peace of mind to not have to worry where the next tank of gas is coming from to make it to and from the daily appointments, how they will afford healthy food options, or where she will get the money to feed and care for Kristen’s beloved cats, CJ and Sammy.

Kristen is already making preparations for end of life but plans to fight for as much time as her body will allow. She doesn’t want to burden anyone and would never ask for anything on her own so I am imploring you to donate, to pray, and to share as much as you are able - help Kristen fight for more time with loved ones.