Support Christina's Battle Against Breast Cancer

A few weeks ago I got a phone call that I never expected and could never have planned for. My life-long best friend, the closest person I have to a sister, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Anyone who knows Christina Brouwer-Brown knows she is a brilliant, vibrant force of life. Her devoted husband, Coby, knew it from the moment he saw her walk into Fairway market in pajama pants at age 19; her two amazing sons, Coby Jr. and Reed, feel it every day through her patient, fierce love for them; the countless animals and coworkers she cares for in her job as an accomplished veterinary technician count on it; her parents adore and have given everything to support her as their only child; and Christina has kept me on my toes, inspiring me to be a more adventurous and compassionate person through every important milestone and simpler moment of my life.

Christina's illness is the worst thing I've ever had to write or even think about. A week before she got the news, we were happily planning our 40th birthday trip to Scotland, never imagining things could change so quickly. But even as struggle to get these words out, I am also incredibly grateful for the gift of her presence in my life and the lives of so many others. I am grateful that the doctors have caught the cancer so soon and that she has a strong medical team to care for her. Finally, I am grateful for the care and kindness of the community that surrounds us, upon whose generosity I must call upon now.

Though Coby and Christina's unfailing work ethic and skills have helped them become immensely successful in their chosen fields, financial stability is not something that often graces those of our generation. Even a trip to Scotland is a wager we made on hopes for the future that will allow us to pay off our credit card debts and college loans in time to send our children (or godchildren) to college. Living, let alone raising two young children is expensive, and fighting cancer in the United States even more so. Both Coby and Christina will need to miss significant work and pay for additional childcare during Christina's treatments, the first of which will cost them $9000 out of pocket.

I ask, on Christina's behalf, as she and Coby are too humble to ask for themselves, that you consider giving just a little bit to help them through this. Any tiny amount will help. Many times Christina and Coby have done the same for others, going out of their way to help those in need by giving money or time. Both give back to the community by volunteering their time to the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, and both come running as soon as a friend or family member calls, no questions asked. I hope we can now rally around them the same way, and I thank you in advance for your help.