Support Kristin, Mark and family, honour baby Kali

Kali Leah Boutros was born to Kristin and Mark on March 6, 2025. She changed our lives immediately and forever. We are so grateful she did.

Kali has been fighting for her life with a quiet ferocity that leaves us both in awe and breaks our hearts. Kali has a rare and lethal congenital disorder affecting the elasticity of her skin. It is with immeasurable sadness that we admit that we are bracing to say goodbye to this sweet girl and that Mark and Kristin will never get to take Kali home.

We will refuse to look away, as she continues to change us with her grace, her strength, and her desire to live. Thank you to Kali for showing us how boundless love can be, how our growing love holds our grief, and how to face our lives head on. Your life has so much meaning.

Kristin and Mark, a NICU nurse and paramedic-firefighter respectively, have supported our communities (Red Deer, Calgary and beyond) in their greatest times of need for over 30 years collectively. Now, as members of their community, it is our opportunity to support them.

For obvious reasons, a path for return to work is complex, especially for Kristin. Benefits provided by AHS offer almost no support, and no time to grieve. While no amount of money can fix or change this situation, we are hopeful support in this way will allow the space needed to grieve and heal without the additional stress of finances.

This is a call for community. If you are able, please consider donating. If that is not within your means, please consider supporting by lighting a candle for them, saying a prayer, or offering support in a way that feels right to you.

Let us never stop remembering our girl Kali, saying her name, and reflecting on her impact. Giving this family what refuge we can in the ocean of grief they are left to navigate. May we all show up to be life vessels in whatever capacity we can.

This fundraiser is being facilitated by both the families of Kristin and Mark.