Update from Elizabeth White I’m so thankful to share that Kristy has been able to secure COBRA insurance, which is a huge step toward getting the critical medical care she needs. While this coverage is a blessing, it’s incredibly expensive and still leaves her with major out-of-pocket costs. On behalf of Kristy and her family, thank you for every donation, prayer, and share. Your support means more than words can express. Please continue to stand with her—every bit truly helps lighten the load. With love and gratitude, Elizabeth White Organizer for Kristy and her family

Help Kristy LaLonde Heal Her Heart – Support Her Lifesaving Surgery and Recovery

We’re reaching out today to ask for your help for someone incredibly special—our dear friend and beloved “GiGi,” Kristy LaLonde.

Kristy has spent her entire life in service to others. As a dedicated public servant and, most recently, a compassionate substance use disorder counselor, she has devoted her time, energy, and heart to helping people rebuild their lives. Whether it's supporting individuals through addiction recovery, mentoring young professionals, or simply being there for friends and family in times of need, Kristy has always put others before herself.

Now, it’s time we do the same for her.

Kristy was born with a congenital heart condition—a bicuspid aortic valve—that has slowly progressed over the years. Today, that condition has become severe aortic stenosis, a life-threatening narrowing of the heart valve. During pre-surgical testing at the Cleveland Clinic, doctors also discovered an aortic aneurysm, making her upcoming surgery far more complex and urgent.

Her open-heart surgery is scheduled for July 9, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. During this procedure, Kristy will undergo aortic valve replacement and aneurysm repair—a major, high-risk operation that requires weeks of recovery and close monitoring.

To make matters even more difficult, Kristy lost her job just last month and currently has no health insurance. She is facing this medical crisis without the financial safety net most of us take for granted. The physical and emotional toll is already immense—and the financial burden is staggering.

Kristy must remain in Cleveland for several weeks post-surgery to be close to her medical team. Her family will need a place to stay nearby to support her before, during, and after the procedure. Between travel, lodging, meals, and medical bills, the costs are quickly mounting.

Kristy would never ask for help herself—but we are asking for her. She’s the first to show up when someone is struggling, and now she needs our support more than ever.

How you can help:

Any amount you can give—no matter how small—will help ease the burden on Kristy and her family. Your donation will go directly toward:

Surgery and hospital costs not covered due to lack of insurance

Temporary housing near the Cleveland Clinic

Travel and living expenses for Kristy and her loved ones

Post-surgical recovery and ongoing medical needs

If you’re unable to give right now, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Every share, prayer, and word of encouragement makes a difference.

Kristy has touched countless lives through her work and her heart. Let’s come together to help give her the care she so deeply deserves.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.

#TeamKristy #HeartOfGold #KristysHealingJourney