Beth Christoffel

Hey all, my name is Amanda and one of my best friends Beth needs our help.

This story kind of begins on May 23, 2022, when Beth officially started her dream career in law enforcement with the Charlottesville Sheriff’s Office. It seemed life was finally on the uphill swing. Beth and her husband Alex, had found land where she could have her 3 rescued horses in the backyard, her son was starting his last year of high school, and her parents and brother Chris were making the move to VA. In November of 2022, I had the privilege of watching her graduate the police academy and wear her uniform with such pride never guessing that this dream would only be too shortly lived.

On April 17, 2023, Beth sent me a text with a list of symptoms she was experiencing, asking me what I thought it might be. Of course, even with the many symptoms, our hearts and minds try to steer us to the simple answers. After weeks of tests and doctor’s appointments, there still wasn’t an answer. The only thing they could tell her is that she really shouldn’t be driving a car, let alone, handling her service weapon in a SHTF kind of moment. Even though her time at the sheriff’s office was just under a year active, her brothers and sisters rallied with donated timed off and of course all the benefits available to LEO’s. It was a blessing during this time of uncertainty with her health. As the tests continued, answers were still few and far between, until her brain scan in early September which showed she had a tumor. Not the best of news, but Beth was just grateful to have some kind of answer. However, that answer still wasn’t a diagnosis and although her LEO family had rallied, they had to follow the rules and let her go. That meant, having to take COBRA insurance (too far into this to be able to switch with surgery scheduled), no more LEO benefits, and worst of all no paycheck. She has applied for disability, but that has not been established yet and they aren’t sure when. We all know how the government rolls.

On November 10th, my friend will be undergoing brain surgery to remove this tumor and to find out if it is cancerous and treatment going forward. She will be in the hospital about a week, if all goes according to plan, followed by an additional 6-8 week outpatient rehabilitation. Her husband Alex is on a fixed income due to his own time serving our country in the army and as a state police officer. In the 20 years we have been friends, I cannot recall a single moment when Beth asked me for anything other than friendship. That changed 2 weeks ago when she sent me a private message asking for help with food. My heart broke, but I instantly sent what I could afford. Last night, I joined her family and a few close friends to have a pre-brain surgery gathering. I knew that the stress of the upcoming surgery was weighing heavy along with everything else.

If anyone is able to help Beth and Alex breathe a little easier during this time, it would be greatly appreciated. The medical bills are piling up and honestly this is just the beginning. The tumor is one thing, but technically Beth still has not had a diagnosis which comes with its own set of issues, but specifically with getting financial aid. When my friend called, I did my best to answer that call, but I am one person. I know many hands can make a light work of a large problem.

I know some people don’t want to use this platform to donate and that is fine. If you would prefer to send via another platform, please use the following.

Cash App - $bethkatchristoffel

Venmo - @Elizabeth-kat-christoffel-1

PayPal - @katchristoffel

Thank you and if you can’t donate, please share.