Tennant Fund

Hello, My name is Scott, Krista is my baby sister, and James is my Brother-In-Law.

They Have three brilliant and wonderful kids, J.J(15), Riley(13) and little miss Gabby(10). All three kids have been dealt a rough hand in life; however, they don't let that get them down. Yes, they have good and bad days, but the good days outnumber the bad.

A little about each member of this family.

Gabby: A loveable brat (a little like her dad in that aspect, I guess) EXTREMELY energetic and positive attitude, ALMOST TOOOOO enthusiastic some may say but that's what everyone loves about her. She has her brothers wrapped around her little finger, or as she put it "I have so much family, I have to use my fingers and my toes ." (a lot like her mom in THAT aspect.)

She was recently diagnosed with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease). Despite the name, it has nothing to do with teeth; CMT is a degenerative nerve disease that usually appears in adolescence or early adulthood.

Muscle weakness, decreased muscle size, decreased sensation, hammertoes, and high arches are symptoms.

The main treatments are physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Another unfortunate effect from this condition has made it where Gabby needs hip surgery this April.

Resulting in Krista and James Having to miss work to be with her in the hospital for 3 days Minimum

and then going to one income for 6 weeks Minimum.

Add to all this, James having to make NUMEROUS trips down to Texas for the last few years while fighting with the court system to get permanent custody of Gabby (also missing work for these trips, which can be days at a time.)

Riley: Not your typical 13-year-old, the "ladies man" this kid has girls turning their heads in restaurants when he walks by and has a chill swagger to him, loves working with his hands and is a loving kid. He was diagnosed with DMD (Duchenne muscular dystrophy). Symptoms include frequent falls, trouble getting up or running, waddling gait, big calves, and learning disabilities.

Despite all this, he constantly wants to do all the things he's told he "Can't"/"Shouldn't" do because of his diagnosis. He dreams of becoming a Marine ( I don't know why; I guess he just likes the taste of Crayons?)

J.J: Typical teenager, moody, eats like a horse misunderstood and lives with Autism. This kid amazes me every day with his willingness to get out of his comfort zone, push his own boundaries, and not let his Autism hold him back without a fight. J.J LOVES him some sports and plays Baseball. unfortunately, he will need to start wearing a foot brace (not sure what impact this will have on his participation in various sports in the future.)

All 3 kids require leg/ foot braces, and physical therapy requires more missed work.

James, my brother-In-Law: is Loud and Obnoxious, Blunt, and doesn't sugar coat anything, but if he did try, he kinda sucks at it, don't get me wrong, these are NOT character flaws. These are endearing traits of his. He's a hard worker and busts his ass off, making sure he can provide for his 3 kids and my sister who

he unapologetically loves.

Krista, My baby Sister: There isn't anything I wouldn't do for her, unfortunately (for me); she knows this and uses it against me any chance she can .

She is not any of these kids biological mother, but she is their MOM. She's been there through the tough times and the good times. She is better than just their "mother." She is the mama bear who has fought tooth and nail for those kids any way she can. (she also uses them against me when she can as well.... .)

This is NOT a pity story. This is a story of a strong family that has been dealt a lot of crappy hands and doesn't let it get them down. Despite all their struggles, they are not asking for anything they wouldn't be willing to do for others.

Anything you're willing to donate to help this family out would be greatly appreciated. I only set the goal to $13,000 to help cover the GoFundMe cut with an actual goal of $10,000 to help cover the cost of missed workdays and legal fees for the custody case. James and Krista will put any remaining into an account for any future needs.

#TennantTough