IMPROVE Christie's MS journey
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THANK YOU...……..FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ Christie's story.
CRUSADERS FOR CHRISTIE is a group of 9 close-knit siblings who have a heart to help support their niece, Christie Winstead Widenhouse, who is in a fierce battle with the disease of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Christie was the middle child of three children, and has a sister, Tracie, and a brother, Tom. She is a graduate of UNC Charlotte, holds a Master’s Degree in Education and was a National Board Certified elementary teacher for a number of years until this most aggressive form of MS forced her to leave the profession she loved. In addition to adjusting to being a one income family, the cost of insurance, prescriptions, ongoing medical care and two children in college now, have all taken a huge financial toll, making it impossible to meet some of the many medical and physical accommodations Christie desperately needs.
As she has struggled with this disease, Christie has continued her role as a wonderful, loving mother and wife, as well as a sweet sister, daughter and friend. She and her husband’s continual commitment to lean on God during such adversity is a true testament of their faith. Christie’s unwavering faith and trust in God, even in this most heartbreaking and painful of situations, has helped her to maintain a positive and pleasant outlook. Her determination and perseverance have empowered her to not give up despite her struggles being so monumental and overwhelming.
Over twenty years since diagnosis, Christie’s MS has progressed to the point where her mobility is greatly impaired, but due to financial constraints, it has not been possible to accommodate her needs nor do home renovations which would make things easier for her and allow her to be more self-sufficient. There are updates needed in their home to make it handicap accessible, with the most pressing being the master bathroom to make it easier and possible for her to bathe and get ready each day. Family members take her to the many necessary doctor’s appointments each week and it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so without the proper equipment, such as a portable lightweight wheelchair, and a safe, suitable ramp for the entrance of their home. Not having these simple items often creates physical and emotional hardships for the family members who are helping, as well as for Christie.
Medical costs continue to rise, including high co-pays for some of the multiple medications Christie needs each month, on top of continually paying off past surgeries. This equipment and home updates would improve Christie’s quality of life so much as well as be so beneficial for the people who graciously help her each week.
Christie is loved and adored by all who know her and if anyone deserves this special blessing, it is her. We are praying for God to nudge people’s hearts to donate to Crusaders for Christie and help Christie and her family. Please pray about possibly donating so we can help increase her quality of living and overall happiness and make life less difficult and so much better for her in many ways. If finances allow, we also hope to look into new treatments or experimental treatments which could reverse or at least help slow the progression of her condition, all of which is quite costly thus impossible right now.
As you feel led, please share this fundraising page with your friends and family and spread the word to as many as possible who might be willing to help. Thank you so much for praying and considering this opportunity to give to someone in need.
CRUSADERS FOR CHRISTIE is a group of 9 close-knit siblings who have a heart to help support their niece, Christie Winstead Widenhouse, who is in a fierce battle with the disease of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Christie was the middle child of three children, and has a sister, Tracie, and a brother, Tom. She is a graduate of UNC Charlotte, holds a Master’s Degree in Education and was a National Board Certified elementary teacher for a number of years until this most aggressive form of MS forced her to leave the profession she loved. In addition to adjusting to being a one income family, the cost of insurance, prescriptions, ongoing medical care and two children in college now, have all taken a huge financial toll, making it impossible to meet some of the many medical and physical accommodations Christie desperately needs.
As she has struggled with this disease, Christie has continued her role as a wonderful, loving mother and wife, as well as a sweet sister, daughter and friend. She and her husband’s continual commitment to lean on God during such adversity is a true testament of their faith. Christie’s unwavering faith and trust in God, even in this most heartbreaking and painful of situations, has helped her to maintain a positive and pleasant outlook. Her determination and perseverance have empowered her to not give up despite her struggles being so monumental and overwhelming.
Over twenty years since diagnosis, Christie’s MS has progressed to the point where her mobility is greatly impaired, but due to financial constraints, it has not been possible to accommodate her needs nor do home renovations which would make things easier for her and allow her to be more self-sufficient. There are updates needed in their home to make it handicap accessible, with the most pressing being the master bathroom to make it easier and possible for her to bathe and get ready each day. Family members take her to the many necessary doctor’s appointments each week and it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so without the proper equipment, such as a portable lightweight wheelchair, and a safe, suitable ramp for the entrance of their home. Not having these simple items often creates physical and emotional hardships for the family members who are helping, as well as for Christie.
Medical costs continue to rise, including high co-pays for some of the multiple medications Christie needs each month, on top of continually paying off past surgeries. This equipment and home updates would improve Christie’s quality of life so much as well as be so beneficial for the people who graciously help her each week.
Christie is loved and adored by all who know her and if anyone deserves this special blessing, it is her. We are praying for God to nudge people’s hearts to donate to Crusaders for Christie and help Christie and her family. Please pray about possibly donating so we can help increase her quality of living and overall happiness and make life less difficult and so much better for her in many ways. If finances allow, we also hope to look into new treatments or experimental treatments which could reverse or at least help slow the progression of her condition, all of which is quite costly thus impossible right now.
As you feel led, please share this fundraising page with your friends and family and spread the word to as many as possible who might be willing to help. Thank you so much for praying and considering this opportunity to give to someone in need.
Organizer and beneficiary
Betty Gast
Organizer
Hickory, NC
Barbara Blythe
Beneficiary
