Update on Kristi from Eric:

Before I get started, I want you all to know that this update is way overdue and I really appreciate everyone’s patience.  The past 5 weeks have been both relentless and amazing, and I’m excited to share what has been happening with Kristi, but I first need to recognize some pretty amazing people that we’re fortunate enough to call close friends.

Speaking on behalf of the entire family, we really want to thank EVERYONE that was involved with Kristi’s benefit. The outpouring of support and love was truly amazing and touched our hearts in ways we will never forget. It really showed us how many lives Kristi has affected and played a part in.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and dedication of some very special people. Credit goes to Bill Downing with the Walton Stout Band and Tina at Paradise Cove after they had a discussion about doing an event for Kristi and later recruited the help of a few other amazing friends like Rachel Campbell, Susan Seward and Tracy Honeycut. In addition, Cheryl with the Pirate Hearts, along with Jim Tullos, the Flower Mound Social Club and all the countless volunteers that offered so much of their time and resources were the reason why the event was a huge success! A very heart felt “Thank You” goes out to every single person who either helped and/or attended the event. 

The event raised approximately $63,700.00 which was more than double the goal and the auction items donated raised about a 1/3 of the money. We never lose sight of the fact that this money was raised because our friends donated items, our friends found people to donate items and our friends purchased these items because you love Kristi…and we love all of you. On a side note, John Johnson, I hope you enjoy that guitar.

When Kristi first found out about the benefit, she made it clear that she didn’t want to attend and we respected that, but at the last-minute Kristi decided that she would-to the surprise of all in attendance. One of the reasons why it had never been announced that she would be making an appearance was so that she could have the option of declining without disappointing anyone. She was a trooper that night and wanted to stay until she had a chance to hug and thank every single person who attended. She was very tired the next day in therapy, but it was important for her to show each one of you how much you mean to her. That night was her very first public appearance and we are hopeful there will be many more to come. She continues to get better and is working hard to reach a full recovery. We know this recovery process takes time, but with all the donations we have received since last October it has helped ensure that there are no breaks in her intense therapy. She completed her first round of Aphasia Therapy in July at Craig Hospital and will be back for her second round in May of 2020.  While we are waiting the 8 months until May, we are also looking at another location in St. Pete Beach, Florida that is rated the top in the country specializing in her condition. We want to make sure the newest and best therapies available are always being considered.

Her first round of aphasia speech therapy went well, but the process is slow. Words don’t come naturally for her anymore and she has to be taught how to speak and put her thoughts into sentences again. Through all this, Kristi’s positive attitude should be a daily reminder to us all. She is extremely dedicated and working so hard because she wants to talk to us as much as we want to hear her talking and singing again. In the meantime, Kristi will continue with intense Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy here in the Metroplex. This facility recently expanded into a new building that is introducing new methods of therapy and we are excited to see how it can help Kristi.

I wish we could tell everyone individually, “Thank you” and express how much you all mean to us. It’s sometimes hard relaying feelings through words on paper, but my hope is that every person understands how much your love, support and prayers have meant to us. We will have another party when things get back to normal or the new normal, until then take care and God Bless.

Love, Eric and family.