Rally Around Chris and His Mom Christine

Good morning

I'm writing on behalf of my friend and co-worker Christine Russell. I was home last night, winding down when I got the call from a clearly distraught Christine. The only words I could make out were Christopher and motorcycle. I flew up to UMass and met her & her daughter in the waiting room. While we waited for some kind of news, Christine filled me in on what she knew so far. Chris, her 19-year-old son, had left the gym and was taking a ride on his motorcycle, presumably on his way home. It is unclear right now exactly what happened as the accident is still under investigation, but in a nutshell, he was hit by a car & thrown off of his bike.

We were led to the family waiting room, where Christine, her daughter, myself, Chris' girlfriend, and many of his friends waited to hear what the doctors were going to say. Unfortunately, it wasn't good news. Chris has a broken nose, broken eye socket, a pretty severely broken arm which will require surgery, and most concerning, fractures in his C1, C3 & C5. Essentially a broken neck. As of last night, he could wiggle his toes, which is a great sign. This morning Chris will undergo more tests to see exactly what treatment looks like.

Chris is a great kid with a bright future ahead of him. He will be a Sophomore at Mass Bay in the fall with the hopes of someday becoming a paramedic. He's active in his church youth group, has lots of friends, and a new, lovely girlfriend.

His mom Christine is devoted to her kids and does not want to leave his side. Christine is a single mom, sometimes working three jobs to give her family everything they need. She will be out of work for some time while she and her son Chris navigate his healing journey over the next couple of months. It's hard to know exactly what she and Chris will need, but taking some of the financial worries off her plate during this time would be a godsend.

If you are able & willing to help Christine & her family during this time, so she can focus on her son, it would be truly appreciated.

Thank you so much.

~LD