Help Our Family Stay Afloat During Our Son’s Spinal Fusion Surgery

Hi friends, family, and community,

This is not something I ever imagined needing to write, but we are in a season where we could truly use some support.

Recently, my position was unexpectedly downsized. I am actively interviewing and pursuing new opportunities, but unemployment benefits are not enough to fully cover our household expenses right now.

At the same time, our youngest son is preparing for a spinal fusion surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children. This is a major procedure, and while it comes with a long recovery, we are hopeful. Our greatest prayer is that this surgery will reduce his pain and allow him to become more active again — to move more freely, participate more fully, and simply feel like a kid without constant discomfort.

We are incredibly grateful that his medical care and surgery are fully covered through Shriners. That is a tremendous blessing. What we are struggling with is not medical bills, but everyday living expenses during this time of unemployment and recovery.

Surgery means appointments, travel, time off, and being fully present as parents. We currently have two teenage boys still at home, and our focus is on creating as much stability as possible for them during this time.

I am actively interviewing and hopeful about upcoming opportunities, but covering this one major expense would give us breathing room while our son heals and I continue the job search. This is not a long-term request — just a short bridge during a difficult transition.

If you feel led to support us — whether through a donation, sharing this page, or keeping our son in your prayers — we are deeply grateful. Every contribution helps relieve pressure and allows us to focus on what matters most: our son’s healing and our family’s stability.

We believe this is a temporary valley, and we are holding onto hope for healthier, more active days ahead for him.

With gratitude,

Crystel & Family

The strength and discipline he built through years of Tae Kwon Do are the same qualities carrying him through long COVID, scoliosis, and now spinal fusion surgery — and we’re hopeful for more active days ahead.