Stand with the Blakes in Their Tough Time

The Blakes were on vacation last week, when their lives changed in an instant when what Chris thought was back pain, turned into a major medical issue. Chris and the rest of the family have a long road ahead. There are the unexpected expenses of being in Miami, medical, and habilitation expenses. Any help provided will be greatly appreciated!

Below is Angie's post about what they are currently experiencing.

Angie's Facebook post:

Last week we took our first Carnival Cruise. Little did we know our world would be flipped upside down.

Chris has been seeing his GP for back pain since May.

We boarded the cruise on Monday with no issues. Chris felt like he tweaked his back and his legs started hurting. We saw the ship doctor on Tuesday and he received some steroids and muscle relaxers with directions to rest and report back if he gets worse. Thursday morning, Chris was unable to feel anything below mid chest. The medical team acted very quickly in assessing and contacted a spinal specialist on mainland. They immediately rerouted the ship to the closest island and airlifted Chris from Nassau to Miami where he had emergency surgery to remove 2 tumors on his spine. One was easily removed and the other wrapped around his spine, his spinal cord, and rib cage. It tore his spinal cord and crushed his 4th vertebrae. They were able to remove the majority of that tumor but not around his spinal cord. They were able to stabilize his spine with rods.

His parents and I are with him in Miami and hope that he can be transported to Ohio soon to a rehabilitation hospital.

We appreciate everyone’s prayers and positive vibes. And everyone who has helped us and the girls along the way.

It is going to be a long recovery, but with faith, love, and determination we pray for continued improvement.