Help Rebuild Our Family After Tragedy

In January 2025, my mother, Kristine Savage, was hospitalized with septic shock following a severe infection on both of her feet. Her condition rapidly worsened, leaving her experiencing multiple organ failure. In order to save her life, the decision was made to amputate her right leg as quickly as possible - in a manner later described to me as "guillotine style."

Unfortunately, the damage caused by this amputation required multiple additional surgeries, and the final amputation site landed just above the knee. As a result, prosthetics are extremely expensive and generally more complex than those used for typical amputations.

As the sole viable caretaker for my brother, Conner (also known as CJ), she continually put his needs above her own, even as her health declined. Due to his father's absence, she fought through intense pain and worsening infection just to maintain a sense of normalcy for him. She prepared his meals, managed his medication, and advocated for his schooling and outside care - all while unable to even walk.

Conner has a rare form of epilepsy known as Doose Syndrome, due to which he requires constant supervision and medical assistance. When my mother was hospitalized and sent into surgery, it threw our household into crisis: without an income or support network, Conner was placed into state custody, where he currently remains.

After considerable time in the ICU and a number of surgeries, my mother managed to survive. Despite that, however, she is now permanently disabled and resides in a nursing home. The food is poor, the quality of care can be inconsistent, and the other residents of the home often give her a hard time. This environment is not one conducive to healing and self care, nor is it one suitable for her reunion with Conner.

As for myself: I'm Kristine's daughter, and CJ's older sister. I've spent the last several years doing what I can to support them both, despite difficult circumstances of my own. When our family began to struggle, both financially and emotionally, I tried my best to mend things: I moved out at 18, barely scraping by while attending community college, hoping to ultimately create a better life for all of us.

I was in my first semester at university in late 2024, when unfortunate financial circumstances of my own finally got the better of me and I had to return home. When my mother became gravely ill and was hospitalized, I did my best to care for Conner - skipping out on sleep and self care to ensure he wouldn't be left without a responsible caretaker.

Unfortunately, it eventually became clear that there were no long-term resources to keep the household together. With my financial situation growing increasingly unstable, and my limited knowledge of Conner's medical needs holding me back, I had no choice but to move on. As stated above, Conner was placed into state custody, and currently resides at his old hospital with a number of trusted adults near him.

My stepfather - Conner's biological father - struggled with severe alcoholism and was absent through this entire period. He was fired from his job and this ultimately led to us being evicted from our apartment. As a result, we've lost most of our personal belongings and furniture.

I've spent a lot of time couch surfing - different cities, different countries - wherever a friend will let me crash. This isn't sustainable long term, and I wish more than anything to return to my studies: something made increasingly difficult by my stepfather's absence, which limits my ability to access financial aid.

This fundraiser was created with a couple of goals in mind, namely to reunite my mother and my brother, and to help them rebuild their lives. Additionally, to help stabilize my own financial situation so I am better suited to assist them. The money raised here will go toward:

All assistance is appreciated, including simply spreading the word - we are deeply grateful.