Hi, my name is Lisa, and I’m organizing this fundraiser for my lifelong friend, Kirsten.

Kirsten has been hospitalized in Portland with infection and inflammation of the brain and remains in the ICU as doctors continue testing to identify the cause and determine the best course of treatment. Progress has been slower than hoped, and recovery is expected to take time.

Because Kirsten also lives with rheumatoid arthritis, her ongoing treatments have left her immunocompromised, which can complicate things when determining cause and treatment options. It’s been a difficult and uncertain stretch for both her and her husband, Geary, who has been by her side everyday.

Kirsten and Geary are both incredibly caring and giving people who rarely ask for help. Right now, they could use some support to ease the financial strain of medical costs, travel, meals, and time away from work.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will help them focus on what matters most — Kirsten’s recovery. Thank you for your kindness and support during this tough time.