This past year has brought an extraordinary series of challenges for the Tolson family. Through it all, they’ve shown remarkable resilience, humor, and heart, but they need our help!

Kristen has been navigating a chronic illness that has led to long-term disability, making it impossible to continue working and adding a lot of additional medical expenses. What was once a stable foundation has shifted dramatically, creating emotional and financial strain for the household. Despite this, Kristen has continued to show up every day with strength and love for her family.

As if that weren’t enough, their home was recently impacted by a flood, forcing them to relocate for several months. In the midst of packing, coordinating repairs, and trying to create a sense of normalcy for their child, their mobility-accessible van died. Without this vehicle, daily life became exponentially more difficult. They had to quickly secure a replacement vehicle, which unfortunately lacks the same adaptations and will require around $10,000 to modify with a comparable scooter lift. Without modifications, Kristen’s mobility and ability to participate in family activities is severely impacted.

And then, while preparing to move back into their home, Joel suffered a serious ankle break, requiring surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process. With Joel unable to fully contribute physically or financially, the pressures on the family have grown heavier.

Even in the face of all this, Joel and Kristen remain who they’ve always been: kind, thoughtful, and determined people. They show up for others, bring humor into hard moments, dive deep into passions with joy and curiosity, and raise their child in a home filled with love, creativity, and empathy. Their intelligence shines not just in what they know, but in how they care, both for each other and for the world around them.

They are asking for a chance to stabilize and rebuild. That's where you come in. Your support will help cover:

• Relocation costs following the flood

• A reliable, mobility-accessible vehicle

• Medical expenses for both Kristen and Joel

• Daily living expenses during this period of lost income

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser with your own network can help more than you know. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and belief in their path forward!