Hope for the Holiday: Christine Grogan & Family ❤️

UPDATED 12/12/2023:

CHRISTINE GROGAN NEEDS US THIS HOLIDAY

Hello to all friends, both old and new, who have graciously joined our fundraiser in support of Christine and her family.

I'm Lauren Hale-Rieckhoff, Christine's cousin. Over the past three years, Christine has displayed remarkable resilience in her battle against ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease).

I've been texting with her almost daily throughout the holiday season–which has been unimaginably difficult for her and the family. In case you haven’t heard, her condition has worsened significantly. She is now totally unable to speak or write and has only a tiny amount of mobility left in her hand to tap out brief messages on text. It is her last form of communication with the world, and even that small mobility is decreasing by the day.

Many of you reading this have already shown generous support for Christine over the past few years. Some of you witnessed the early days of the diagnosis, and you are still here now -- devastated by how the disease has left nearly all of her voluntary muscles paralyzed. It’s been so hard for her––but she remains selfless, courageous, and even now, thinking only of others.

If you don’t know her well, my cousin Christine is married to NJPD Officer Chris Grogan, and together they have two wonderful teenagers, Jack and Julia. Throughout her life, Christine has been dedicated to assisting and educating children with disabilities, particularly within the autism community. Her remarkable and tireless talents have enriched the lives of many, and she is loved deeply by all who know her.

Right now, Christine requires home healthcare from 9am-9pm every day, bringing about significant financial and emotional stress for her and her family. It is going to be a very hard holiday for them. Whether this is your first time learning of her battle, or you’ve been a support for Christine many times since her diagnosis, my family and I are asking for any small contribution you can spare this holiday to help ease this crushing burden.

If you know Christine, you know she likely would cringe at the candid account of her health I've laid out above. But I (along with her best friend Nancy, who started this original fundraiser a year ago) are committed to doing all we can to help ensure Christine is taken care of, and kept as comfortable as possible.

We are going to do all we can to reach our goal of $50,000 by Christmas. And though I know there are countless causes to contribute to during this giving season, I humbly ask you to please join me in giving anything you can. I mean it sincerely when I say there is NO AMOUNT TOO SMALL. Together, we can give Christine and her husband and the kids a much-needed boost, at a time when we’re all praying for a Christmas miracle.

Please reach out to me directly if you have any questions. And thank you...

With love and gratitude, Lauren & Family

*****************

Hi, my name is Nancy Bellovich & I am raising money for Christine Grogan & her family. Christine was diagnosed with ALS two years ago. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. This is a progressive disease that still has no cure.

Christine is married to Chris Grogan and they have two children, Jack & Julia who are 15 years old. Christine has dedicated her life to helping & teaching children with disabilities, specifically the autism population. She has an incredible gift & has touched so many peoples lives. It’s our turn now to give back to her.

At this stage of the disease Christine is requiring at home healthcare. This is extremely financially & emotionally stressful. As the disease progresses, her healthcare hours will need to increase. I’m asking you to please consider donating anything to help the Grogan Family during this difficult time. Please feel free to share this link. Thank you!