Team Kristine! Team Page

Hello Friends!
Nine years ago Kristine was diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma. A disease that has changed our lives forever. The disease has affected her lungs to a point where she needs oxygen 24 hours. Her body is in constant pain as the disease triggers other issues such as fibromyalgia and raynauds syndrome. Her condition has worsened to include pulmonary arterial hypertension which is deadly on its own. Kristine worked as much as she could until her body could no longer manage it and went into permanent disability in 2015. She has endured over 24 months of chemotherapy to keep the aggressive disease at bay and continues a bi-annual regiment of chemotherapy sessions to prevent flare ups. As an autoimmune disease one of her only recourse is to rely on immunosuppressants. In November 2017, Kristine was hospitalized for 2 weeks as she suffered from a CMV (Cytomegalovirus) infection due to her compromised immune system. It was a very trying time for our family to see her health deteriorate as teams of doctors scrambled to figure out what was wrong and how to treat it. With the help of her medical team (over 25 doctors) and prayers and support from our friends and family she was able to go home on her birthday. It took another six weeks of IV medications to fully get rid of the infection and it has taken a major toll on her body. As of now she is still in recovery mode from CMV while still battling the symptoms and struggles of scleroderma. But that’s not the end of our story.

For those that know Kristine, know that she is a fighter. That even in her weakest state she is the strongest at heart and spirit. Through this fight, she has shown resilience and strength. She has been the rock that has held our household together. She takes care of our kids as I handle a grueling work and travel schedule. And she always does it with a smile. Her battle is from over and the progression of the disease has yet to stop. She needs all the help she can get.

So we are asking you to join us this year in support for Kristine and other scleroderma patients like her in raising awareness and funds for The Scleroderma Foundation of Southern California. The Scleroderma Foundation has been integral in providing patient support and education, funding for research, and advocacy. They have helped us find the right doctors, introduced us to other patients and families, and have created a community of support.

Please donate or even join to participate in our first Virtual Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma!