At the beginning of this year my cherished friend Krystal Blackburn received news no one is ever prepared for: she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.

Krystal is an incredible woman who has dedicated her career to helping others. She has been a 911 dispatcher for 17 years, being the steady voice on other people's worst day. She continues to support and connect with the community she serves through 911 outreach events and a non-profit for first responder mental health. She is just the kind of person who shows up for everyone in crisis and the quiet moments of need.

Krystal is deeply loved by her family: her wife Tina, the three wonderful children they have raised, and her grumpy senior cat Miley. She is also much loved by an extended family and the friends who have became family. If you have ever been to her Thanksgiving, you know the heart she has. There's a seat and a plate for anyone who might otherwise be alone.

In recent years Krystal faced several medical challenges and fought to better her health with determination to be there for her children. Just last year, Krystal cared for her Aunt Patty and Uncle Hubert as Aunt Patty faced a difficult cancer fight of her own before ultimately passing away. She knows firsthand the weight of this battle and still continues to show up with strength and courage against her own diagnosis.

Unfortunately cancer brings not only physical and emotional hardship but overwhelming financial strain. Appointments, treatment, and the everyday expenses add up quickly. This fundraiser is created to help ease the burden so Krystal can focus on healing and being with the people she loves most.

Every donation-no matter what size-will go directly toward her medical expenses and support her through treatment. She has already begun chemotherapy treatments every three weeks. Surgery will be scheduled in April with an expected recovery time of at least six weeks. Afterwards she will continue with several more rounds of chemo. My hope is to lighten her financial load for surgery recovery in April.

Even if you are unable to give, sharing this page and keeping Krystal in your thoughts and prayers means just as much.

Krystal has spent years answer the call for others, now it is our turn to answer for her. Please share, donate, and surround her and family with the love, support, and strength they deserve.