Be The Gold: Help Chris Mend
Donation protected
Kintsukuroi
“To repair with gold”; the art of repairing pottery with gold or silver lacquer and understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken.
Chris is one of the most generous and intelligent human beings I know. He cares for all creatures, and can't even squash spiders (he has to scoop them up and set them free outside) due to the high level of empathy and compassion he has. Chris is an older brother that wants to take care of his family. Children and animals are drawn to him like magnets for his great attention, care and teaching he provides for them. He is a brilliant engineer, physicist and mathematician, and he has incredible potential for contributing to the world in a very meaningful way. He is always saying he only wants to do work that benefits people and makes the world a better place.
In 2014, Chris selflessly donated his kidney to his brother-in-law - an act that saved the life of the father of 5 of his adored nieces and nephews, and one that exemplifies his incredibly generous and caring character.
Unfortunately, the side effects and health issues following the surgery slowly began to wear away at Chris’ physical and mental health. Suffering what might be described as PTSD from the surgery, which has included issues such as stabbing side pain, swollen joints, adrenal imbalance, soaring blood pressure, weight loss, insomnia, anxiety, emotional swings, depression, cold chills, gastro intestinal issues, and a number of other ailments (many stemming from the donation and others he has suffered with much longer) Chris' health had become, in the last 2 years, a persistent and ongoing battle to get a handle on. I don't believe much is published on how much donors can actually suffer given they don't want to deter potential donors. But the effects are real. (By the way, he would do it again in a heartbeat to help his brother and friend).
In mid-March of this year, Chris‘ physical and mental health issues became too much to bear for a human body. Chris experienced a physical and mental breakdown that resulted in an unexpected and tragic event that has left him in a position to have to completely start over from scratch, and to climb out from under a seemingly insurmountable pile of medical bills, and embark on a long road of mental and physical therapy. A journey he is determined to make and to be successful at, but one he could really use a hand in getting control of.
Mental illness and mental breakdowns are things we should all be aware of and know the signs of. In the days leading up to this event, we had misinterpreted the breakdown as a strictly physical issue, when in fact, it was something much deeper and undiagnosed. We went to Urgent Care at one point, but without the awareness of what was actually going on or of what our options were to get help, we were left at the mercy of a crisis that has left us stunned and reeling.
This is where you can help. You can Be The Gold!
Kintsukuroi is a Japanese concept that both Chris and I have loved since we learned of it. Never did we realize how relevant and important it would become in our lives. Chris has the chance to put himself back together, to regain control and reestablish a productive life of love, happiness, health and of giving back to society. Chris deserves not to be defined by this, but rather, for his selfless giving of life and for his loving character. Chris is a valuable and worthy person who deserves a chance to overcome this. Most all of the professionals and supporters he has encountered thus far during this challenging time have shown themselves to be the gold lacquer that will ultimately put him back together. Now, more than ever, we need to help our fellow human beings and buoy each other in our times of need. We need to find compassion and do everything we can to help Chris heal and be mended into a more beautiful and whole person. We need to be the gold.
I’m happy to explain the event that has changed the course of our lives. Chris was not in control of his mind or body during his breakdown episode. He didn’t, nor would he ever, hurt me, and his cry for help to professionals was just that. I hope all who know or learn of Chris’ situation can understand that there is so much more to the story than what has been conveyed. And that he deserves compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and support.
Chris’ family and I appreciate you taking the time to read this and to consider helping contribute to our efforts to get him back on his feet. Every little bit helps.
Thank you very much.
“To repair with gold”; the art of repairing pottery with gold or silver lacquer and understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken.
Chris is one of the most generous and intelligent human beings I know. He cares for all creatures, and can't even squash spiders (he has to scoop them up and set them free outside) due to the high level of empathy and compassion he has. Chris is an older brother that wants to take care of his family. Children and animals are drawn to him like magnets for his great attention, care and teaching he provides for them. He is a brilliant engineer, physicist and mathematician, and he has incredible potential for contributing to the world in a very meaningful way. He is always saying he only wants to do work that benefits people and makes the world a better place.
In 2014, Chris selflessly donated his kidney to his brother-in-law - an act that saved the life of the father of 5 of his adored nieces and nephews, and one that exemplifies his incredibly generous and caring character.
Unfortunately, the side effects and health issues following the surgery slowly began to wear away at Chris’ physical and mental health. Suffering what might be described as PTSD from the surgery, which has included issues such as stabbing side pain, swollen joints, adrenal imbalance, soaring blood pressure, weight loss, insomnia, anxiety, emotional swings, depression, cold chills, gastro intestinal issues, and a number of other ailments (many stemming from the donation and others he has suffered with much longer) Chris' health had become, in the last 2 years, a persistent and ongoing battle to get a handle on. I don't believe much is published on how much donors can actually suffer given they don't want to deter potential donors. But the effects are real. (By the way, he would do it again in a heartbeat to help his brother and friend).
In mid-March of this year, Chris‘ physical and mental health issues became too much to bear for a human body. Chris experienced a physical and mental breakdown that resulted in an unexpected and tragic event that has left him in a position to have to completely start over from scratch, and to climb out from under a seemingly insurmountable pile of medical bills, and embark on a long road of mental and physical therapy. A journey he is determined to make and to be successful at, but one he could really use a hand in getting control of.
Mental illness and mental breakdowns are things we should all be aware of and know the signs of. In the days leading up to this event, we had misinterpreted the breakdown as a strictly physical issue, when in fact, it was something much deeper and undiagnosed. We went to Urgent Care at one point, but without the awareness of what was actually going on or of what our options were to get help, we were left at the mercy of a crisis that has left us stunned and reeling.
This is where you can help. You can Be The Gold!
Kintsukuroi is a Japanese concept that both Chris and I have loved since we learned of it. Never did we realize how relevant and important it would become in our lives. Chris has the chance to put himself back together, to regain control and reestablish a productive life of love, happiness, health and of giving back to society. Chris deserves not to be defined by this, but rather, for his selfless giving of life and for his loving character. Chris is a valuable and worthy person who deserves a chance to overcome this. Most all of the professionals and supporters he has encountered thus far during this challenging time have shown themselves to be the gold lacquer that will ultimately put him back together. Now, more than ever, we need to help our fellow human beings and buoy each other in our times of need. We need to find compassion and do everything we can to help Chris heal and be mended into a more beautiful and whole person. We need to be the gold.
I’m happy to explain the event that has changed the course of our lives. Chris was not in control of his mind or body during his breakdown episode. He didn’t, nor would he ever, hurt me, and his cry for help to professionals was just that. I hope all who know or learn of Chris’ situation can understand that there is so much more to the story than what has been conveyed. And that he deserves compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and support.
Chris’ family and I appreciate you taking the time to read this and to consider helping contribute to our efforts to get him back on his feet. Every little bit helps.
Thank you very much.
Organizer and beneficiary
Carisa Fisher
Organizer
Bozeman, MT
Christopher Driscoll
Beneficiary
