Support Crystal's Bone Marrow Transplant

** Crystal Update **

Hi everyone—

It’s been a while since our last update, and honestly, it’s been a really tough stretch. There have been some incredibly hard lows, but we’re holding onto hope that brighter moments are ahead.

On May 13th, Crystal was briefly discharged from the hospital. She was finally able to spend some much-needed time at home with Brian in the isolation house—a moment of peace and togetherness we’d all been hoping for. Unfortunately, that time was short-lived. She was quickly readmitted due to severe internal bleeding. The doctors were able to get the stomach bleeding under control, but what they discovered next was devastating: Crystal’s Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) has progressed to stage 4.

This isn’t the news we wanted or were prepared to hear. Stage 4 GvHD is incredibly serious. It comes with intense pain, a high risk of infection, constant bleeding from the gut, and overwhelming uncertainty. Despite this, Crystal is fighting—and the doctors are doing everything they can. She’s currently undergoing a clinical trial involving ECP light therapy, which helps destroy the T-cells attacking her gut. She’s also on a combination of medications aimed at suppressing the GvHD and helping to repair the damage already done to her digestive system. It’s a delicate and complex balancing act—every treatment has its risks, and none are guaranteed solutions. But we are throwing everything we can at this disease.

One medication we’re especially hopeful about is **Teglutide**. It's a targeted therapy that helps regenerate tissue in the gut. Although it was originally developed for another condition, it could be a game-changer for Crystal. Unfortunately, getting it approved for her use is proving to be a challenge, and we’re working hard to advocate for her.

On top of all this, Crystal has been facing immense physical challenges. The high doses of steroids she's on cause severe pain and muscle weakness. She’s lost significant weight and muscle mass, making it extremely difficult and painful for her to move. Walking even a few steps is exhausting. But in true Crystal fashion, she’s not giving up. She’s working with physical therapy every single day—and just recently, she was able to stand and walk a few steps to the sink to brush her teeth. That small moment of normalcy was a huge victory, and we’re treasuring those tiny milestones that remind us of her strength and determination.

We know this is a lot. It’s heavy, and it’s hard—but Crystal is still here, still fighting with every bit of strength she has. And we’re standing beside her every step of the way.

Please continue to keep Crystal in your thoughts and prayers. Your support, messages, and love mean more than we can ever express. We believe in her, and we’re not giving up.

With love and appreciation The Pullium family.

#TeamCrystal

https://gofund.me/67e49f24Support Crystal Pullium During Her Bone Marrow Transplant Journey

Dear Family, Friends, and Community,

Hello, my name is Ashley, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my incredible sister-in-law and best friend, Crystal Pullium. Crystal is a devoted mother of three, a passionate teacher, and a loving friend who has been courageously battling Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) since 2020. Recently, her condition has progressed, and the leukemia has mutated. With this heartbreaking news, Crystal, along with her doctors, determined that a bone marrow transplant was the best path forward.

The Road Ahead

Crystal has started a treatment plan which includes aggressive chemotherapy, followed by a bone marrow transplant. After an extended stay in the hospital, she will then move to an isolated home with a dedicated 24/7 caregiver for 100 days. Her immune system will be compromised during the lengthy healing process, which means she will need to stay in isolation and will be unable to see her family or work for the time being.

This is a devastating blow—not just to Crystal, but to her family, students, and everyone whose life she’s touched. For years, Crystal has devoted herself to educating children, and for her, teaching is more than just a job; it’s a true calling. Now, she faces the incredibly difficult challenge of stepping back from her career to focus on healing and fighting for her life.

True to her roots as an educator, Crystal has bravely shared her journey online, hoping to shed light on this process and help others who might find themselves in similar situations. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, and so many of you have asked how you can help ease her burden during this challenging time.

How You Can Help

We are asking for your support in three ways:

Donate: Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a difference toward medical expenses, living costs, and necessary treatments. Your generosity will help ease the financial burden so Crystal can focus on her recovery.

Spread the Word: If you're unable to contribute financially, help us spread the word about Crystal’s journey.

Send Love and Support: Your messages, well-wishes, and prayers mean the world to Crystal and her family. Every gesture—big or small—makes a difference.

For those who know Crystal, you know that she is a beacon of love, kindness, and positivity. Even in the face of this battle, Crystal’s irresistible humor and bright spirit shine through. Whether she's cracking a joke with her students or sharing a funny story with her family, she’s the kind of person who can find joy, even in difficult times. Her positivity is truly unmatched, and it’s a big part of what makes her so special to all of us. As a mother and as a teacher, she’s dedicated her life to helping children succeed, making sure they feel seen, supported, and cared for. She is the friend who listens without judgment, the colleague who lends a helping hand, and the wife and mother that gives all for her family.

Now, it’s our turn to help Crystal as she faces the toughest battle of her life.

Your support is a light in this dark time, and we know it will give Crystal the strength to face this battle with hope and courage.

With love and appreciation,

Ashley Pullium & The Pullium Family

UPDATE and request

Hello everyone!

Sarah and I are putting together a special videogram for Crystal (she’s blocked from this post, so keep it hush-hush!), and we’d love your help!

If you’re able, please record a short video message filled with love, encouragement, and positive vibes, and send it to either of us.

We’re now at day 75 post-transplant, and sadly, most of that time has been spent in the hospital. Crystal has only had brief periods where she was well enough to stay in the isolated home before needing to be readmitted. She’s currently been hospitalized again—this time for over a month—fighting Graft vs Host Disease (GvHD) along with a post-transplant virus. She may even need to travel out of state for additional treatment.

It’s been an incredibly tough streatch, and we believe your messages can bring her the comfort and strength she truly needs right now.

Thank you so much in advance for being part of this—it truly means the world!

P.S. I’ve also included some photos of her from when she was feeling a bit better ❤️‍