Support Crystal's Crew - Conner, Peyton and Lilly
To honor the memory of Crystal Bell we are raising funds for The Crystal's Crew Trust to support her children: Peyton, Conner and Lilly. Crystal was a hard-working, dedicated mother who always prioritized her children. Through her work with Missouri Family to Family, Crystal not only supported other parents of children with special healthcare needs, she demonstrated how to plan for and live a good life despite hardships and struggles.
Crystal is known at the national level for her work with the Charting the Life Course Framework having touched many lives over her years at MO F2F. She related to others through her personal stories, like the time Conner made flyers and invited his entire 4th grade class to a sleepover at their apartment without letting her know.
Her passion for the Good Life was shared with both humor and tears. Crystal was not afraid to show her vulnerable side. She raised Conner to be a great self-advocate and embraced Peyton's happy-go-lucky spirit. She also appreciated his passion for petite, blond nurses - who are about the only people who can get him to roll up his sleeve for a flu shot.
Lilly embodies her mother's adventurous side. She is always exploring her environment and is ever ready for a hike, a day at the pool or a jungle safari at the zoo. Crystal demonstrated her determination and will power this summer when she overcame her fear of water and bought a kayak to take Lilly out on the lake.
In her family, Crystal formed the foundational rock. She was always there to take the reigns in times of hardship or illness. For good or bad she earned the nickname The Bulldozer, as she always ended up getting her way. This came in handy when the family issues needed to be heard and understood by the family doctors. In get togethers Crystal did most of the talking - and the planning - usually around the kids' schedule. She was revered for her ability to power through every tough situation and come out laughing on the other side - which she just considered better than crying in the end.
On August 22nd, 2021 Crystal's life was tragically cut short in a deadly car wreck. Gone too soon, but never forgotten, we will always miss our Crystal Bell.