As some of you may know, one year ago today, while on vacation in Florida, my daughter Kristi was in a horrific motorcycle accident. Kristi’s boyfriend Jason was killed and Kristi sustained life threatening injuries. Kristi was thrown off the bike and flew 150 feet and landed in the middle of a five lane highway. The first two people on the scene were EMT’s on their way home from work and the third on the scene was an off duty police officer. They were able to stop traffic and protect Kristi from further injury, saving her life. That was her first miracle.

Kristi broke her arms, legs, back, 9 ribs, lacerated her liver, her finger was half torn off and the worst being a spinal cord injury which has left her paralyzed, for now. Kristi had four emergency surgeries in her first four days at Orlando Medical. The doctors were not sure she would pull through, but she did, another miracle.

This has been a very challenging year for Kristi and she has met every challenge with grace and dignity. Kristi has been going to physical therapy two to three times a week, doctors appointments, more surgeries and working very hard. Kristi’s strength, toughness and positive attitude is absolutely amazing. As hard as this has been, Kristi has done it all with a smile on her face.

I have done extensive research and there are some very special programs around the country that could take Kristi to the next level. Some of these include, Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, The Miami Project which has various locations and Bachik Methods in Texas. They are all doing amazing things with spinal cord injury patients. These programs are very costly and, unfortunately, not covered by her insurance.

I know that Kristi’s sister Tanya had a Go Fund Me last year after the accident. I know some of you were very generous, it was a big help that got her through the year and greatly appreciated. I did not share the Go Fund Me on my page at that time, because I was planning on doing something more personal. With everything going on in the world today, it just got too complicated to get everyone together. I am starting this Go Fund Me to help me help Kristi. Kristi has gotten herself to the point where she can participate in these intensive programs and I believe with Kristi’s hard work, determination, toughness and attitude, she can pull off another miracle and walk again.

I understand some people are going through a rough time right now. If you are unable to give at this time, praying for Kristi and sharing this would be a great help and much appreciated. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.