Help Kristin Fight Cancer and Change the World!

Help Kristin Fight Colon Cancer and Achieve Her Dream of Changing the World

In a life that has already been filled with extraordinary accomplishments and a relentless drive to make the world a better place, my best friend Kristin is facing a battle that no one could have predicted. Just one week ago (12/3/24), Kristin received the news that she has colon cancer (adenocarcinoma). And only six days later (12/9/24), she underwent surgery to remove the 6 cm tumor along with nearby lymph nodes. While we await the pathology results that will determine the stage of her cancer, the doctors anticipate it to be stage 3.

Kristin desperately needs all the love, prayers, and support possible in this most trying time, as she is not only fighting for her own life, but also for her husband, James, and her two young children who need their mother (Henry, 4 and Amy, 2). It is the kind of heart-wrenching situation that no mother should face. And while this news has rocked all of us who love and admire her, it has not shaken her resolve. Kristin is not just anyone. She is strong. She is a fighter. She is one of the most remarkable individuals I know.

It’s hard to put into words the type of person Kristin is. Not only is she incredibly intelligent and deeply compassionate, she is also a visionary with big dreams to change the world. Kristin is currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainability from Harvard University, a degree that will empower her to create lasting change in global environmental policy and sustainability. She aims to hold industries accountable for the harm they cause to nature and society, and to help develop the tools and policies that will allow us to create a more sustainable and just world. Kristin chose to pursue her master’s at Harvard with the hopes of making connections within the international community, with the goal of working with the United Nations someday – her ultimate dream.

Over the past several years, Kristin has traveled to places like Nepal, India, and now Ecuador. She currently lives in Cotacachi (Ecuador), where has immersed herself in the cultures of local communities and witnessed firsthand the beauty of sustainable living. Kristin believes the key to protecting the environment is by preserving indigenous cultures and their sustainable knowledge. She feels a strong calling to help the Global South in protecting their resources, culture, and indigenous farming.

Kristin is no ordinary 39-year old. She is special.

It is unimaginable to think of someone so young, so full of potential, being confronted with such a serious health crisis. But even in the face of this diagnosis and the immense challenges that come with it, Kristin remains committed to her family, her studies, and her dream of changing the world. Her courage and resilience are nothing short of inspiring, and I have no doubt she will face this battle head-on, just as she has approached every challenge in her life.

Kristin’s fight against cancer is urgent, and the clock is ticking. Her doctors in Ecuador have done everything they can and while the surgery was a positive step, she needs specialized care. We are urgently working to bring Kristin back home to be treated at MD Anderson, one of the best cancer hospitals in the world. We expect she will need immediate ongoing treatments, scans, and further consultations. Kristin’s road to recovery is just beginning.

While the emotional toll is obvious, the financial burden that comes with cancer treatment is just as devastating. Kristin’s medical bills have begun to pile up quickly, rising at an alarming rate, and her family has already been stretched thin. The financial strain is truly unbearable.

This fundraising campaign aims to provide financial relief and help cover medical expenses, further treatment and evaluations, hospital bills, cost of travel, and continued care and recovery. We hope to give Kristin the time and space she needs to recover and heal, and also provide support for James and their children. Kristin has already given so much to this world, and she still has so much more to offer, so please join me in supporting her during this critical time. Every donation, no matter how small, will help ease the burden on her and her family. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support. Let’s help Kristin fight cancer, fulfill her dreams, and change the world.