MCRT Kristie Stephenson, Medical Issues, On Leave

Hi everyone, I want to tell you about my coworker and friend, Kristie Stephenson. As some of you may know Kristie has been struggling with her health for the past 6 months. She has had to undergo numerous tests and see multiple specialists. Doctors eventually found cancerous polyps that were surgically removed. Now Kristi is struggling with muscle weakness and losing function and some of her limbs. She has been undergoing continued testing and is now having to go through extensive testing, including multiple MRI's of the spine and brain with spinal tap and other nerve biopsies, in order to narrow down what is causing the deterioration to her health. Based on the results of some tests, Kristie's doctors are concerned that she is in a progressive stage of multiple sclerosis, but additional testing is required to confirm this diagnosis.

Kristie has had to take a leave of absence from her position as a Mobile Crisis Response Therapist due to her health. This has impacted her and her family financially. With the mounting medical bills and loss of income, the added stress continues to negatively impact her health.

Kristie has always had a compassion to help those in need, and this has led to a career path in the mental health field. In her current position as a Mobile Crisis Response Therapist, she responds with law enforcement to mental health crises in the community. She has positively impacted countless lives through her work. Kristie has been very dedicated to her job and worried about the financial impact her medical bills, so it was very difficult for her to make the decision to go on medical leave.

Kristie has also volunteered her time for her community and for her family.

She has volunteered to help fundraising Florence Crittenton and CASA. She also donated her time to be the General Manager for the Guardians football team which is a semi-pro league. Kristie helped build and raise funds for the organization. In addition, she also volunteered as a volleyball coach and lacrosse coach.

Kristie is married to Robert, and is a mother of 5 with 2 step sons. She is also the proud grandmother of 6 grandchildren. Kristie and Robert would be the first people to help others in a crisis. They regularly attend fundraising events to support charities and individuals experiencing medical issues. Kristie absolutely loves contributing to local fundraising events, especially with silent auctions and basket donations. In addition, the couple have been regular donors to a numerous nonprofit organizations. Please consider helping my coworker and friend in her time of need by making a donation. Money will go towards paying off extensive medical bills and loss of income due to medical leave. Kristie and her family appreciate all the generosity.