Donate to Help My Medically Complex Dad

Hi, my name is Anna. I started this fundraiser to help my dad, Lynn Christopherson, with his challenging journey toward recovery from a series of life-threatening health conditions. A few months ago, my dad, an incredibly healthy and active middle-aged man, experienced severe abdominal pain leading to an emergency room trip. Little did we know that this would be the start of an unimaginable medical battle.

Upon diagnosis, the medical team discovered an extremely rare combination of ailments. My dad was diagnosed with Bilateral Pheochromocytoma, an uncommon neuroendocrine tumor affecting the adrenal glands, creating a dangerous surplus of adrenaline in the body. In addition, he was also diagnosed with a malignant small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a rare form of cancer in the digestive tract. As if these diagnoses weren't challenging enough, what makes my dad's case truly unique is the life-threatening aneurysms that were discovered hidden behind his pancreas.

To address these complex conditions, my dad has already undergone multiple surgeries totaling 20 hours. The first surgery involved removing the malignant tumors and using vein grafts from his legs to repair aneurysms. This surgery required removing one of his adrenal glands and a portion of his pancreas. The following surgeries were performed to address complications such as blood loss. Despite these extensive procedures, his team of doctors remains extremely optimistic for his full recovery; however, the road ahead will be long and challenging.

My dad remains in the ICU on a ventilator for over two weeks and has received a tracheostomy as of July 9th. He continues slowly recovering from his long week of surgery, but his weakened state requires careful monitoring and extensive aftercare. Once he leaves the ICU, he requires rigorous physical and respiratory therapy to regain his strength and mobility.

Throughout his life, my dad has been an exceptional provider and a pillar of strength for our family. For the past 25 years, he has dedicated his career as a manufacturing engineer, passionately working on producing medical devices that are now being used for his care.

While my dad takes pride in his work, his true joy in life has always been supporting his family. He has poured his heart and soul into ensuring our well-being and happiness. However, the severity of his condition has left him weak and unable to provide for himself as he normally would. However, throughout this challenging journey, my dad is not alone; his loving wife, who has been his rock, stands by his side every step. Together, they recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in the hospital, a testament to the strength of their bond even amidst adversity.

As his loved ones, we are deeply committed to helping him through this challenging time. We have witnessed his dedication and sacrifice for our family, and now it's our turn to rally together and provide him with the support he needs. That's why I am reaching out to you, our friends, family, and kind-hearted individuals who may resonate with my dad's story.

Your support can make an immense difference in his recovery. The funds raised will primarily cover the extensive medical expenses, including surgeries, specialized treatments, and necessary aftercare, such as physical and respiratory therapy. Additionally, any surplus funds will be donated directly to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, through the Intermountain Foundation.

We understand that these are challenging times for everyone, and any contribution you can make, big or small, or even simply sharing my dad's story, will be deeply appreciated. Together, we can help my dad regain his health, strength, and ability to enjoy life with his family again.

Thank you for taking the time to read my dad's story and for considering a donation. Your generosity and kindness mean the world to us.