Support Chris's Stroke Recovery

Hi friends,

On May 30th, Chris had a stroke due to an unknown trauma in his right carotid artery in his neck. He received second-to-none care in the Baystate ICU and observation floors in Springfield, MA and we were able to move our planned elopement, after 8 years partnered, from Mount Pollux in Amherst to the hospital's healing garden on June 8th. The was swiftly transferred the next day to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Boston, the #2 rehab facility in the country and is currently there for two weeks before returning home for continued therapy and care. (Not an ideal honeymoon location, but it does have a beautiful view of the Boston Harbor!)

Though the neurologists describe his stroke as extensive, Chris is recovering at a relatively speedy rate. His mobility is significantly limited on his left side, but he is learning to bear weight, walk, and climb stairs. Thankfully, his cognition, memory and speech have returned to near normal in less than two weeks.

As you may know, Chris was also diagnosed with a rare skin-blistering autoimmune condition, called pemphigus, last year. There is no known link between this and the stroke, which makes this situation even crazier, and harder in a lot of ways, both physically and emotionally. And yet, he approaches every day with a sense of curiosity and determination.

Needless to say though, the next several months are going to be difficult for our family, and the financial burden will be hefty. We are hoping to use funds raised here toward:

We are humbled by all that people have done so far and deeply appreciate the continued support. It truly does take a village!

All our love,

Katie, Chris, and Clover