Support Crystal's Stroke Recovery Journey

Help Crystal Blake Recover from Stroke, Brain Surgery & Long-Term Rehab

Hi, I’m Matt Blake, and I’m here asking for help for my incredible wife, Crystal.

On June 14th, our world changed.

Crystal suffered a sudden and serious stroke, caused by a dangerous brain condition called a dural arteriovenous fistula… an abnormal connection between arteries and veins near the back of her brain. We were on our way to Dallas when she started showing symptoms. I called 911, and she was rushed by ambulance to UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she’s been in the ICU ever since, now more than 25 days and counting.

Since then, Crystal has endured:

• A procedure to drain blood and fluid from her brain

• Two major brain surgeries to remove the fistula

• Multiple angiograms and scans

• Near-daily speech, occupational, and physical therapy

• Constant monitoring for brain swelling, pressure, and vessel spasms

• Unimaginable pain and fatigue—and yet she’s still showing up strong every day

The second surgery was a success—they were able to remove the fistula. But due to complications in her spinal fluid regulation, Crystal is now scheduled for another surgery: a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, which will create a permanent path to drain excess fluid from her brain to her abdomen. That procedure is scheduled for Friday.

Once she recovers from that, she’ll finally be cleared to leave the ICU. The current plan includes a 10-day inpatient rehab program, where she’ll rebuild strength, coordination, memory, and independence. After that, we’ll have continued follow-up appointments and potential future procedures related to managing the VP shunt.

Here’s where we’re asking for help:

We don’t have medical insurance.

And as you can imagine, the cost of two brain surgeries, 3+ weeks in the ICU, rehab, and long-term care is enormous. We’re already staring down mid-six-figure bills, with more to come as this journey continues.

To make matters even harder, I was hospitalized myself just a few months ago with partial heart failure, and we’re still working to pay off those medical expenses.

Every single dollar raised here will go toward:

• Medical bills from surgeries, ICU care, scans, and therapy

• The upcoming VP shunt surgery and future follow-ups

• Inpatient rehabilitation and recovery expenses

• Travel, food, and lost income while staying at the hospital

• Long-term support as Crystal rebuilds her health

If you know Crystal, you know she’s the toughest, kindest, most down-to-earth woman you’ll ever meet. She gives everything she has to her family and friends… and now it’s our turn to give back to her.

If you can donate, please do.

If you can’t, please share this link and pray hard for her healing.

We’re overwhelmed, in every sense, but we’re also deeply thankful for the love we’ve received. You are helping carry us through the hardest season of our lives.

With all our love,

– Matt & Crystal Blake