Progress

Pronunciation: ˈprä-grəs

1 : a forward or onward movement : advance
2 : gradual betterment
A community that loves together progresses together!  This is precisely what is taking place through hard work, networking, and generosity.

Fundraising events are successfully underway and are beginning to make an impact in re-shaping Crystal’s financial stability as well as her ability to fight back against cancer.  Each event has been a true testament of the love and dedication surrounding Crystal.  From t-shirt sales to auctions and bike rallies there has been a constant outpouring of support.

Those that honor Crystal cannot even begin to express the gratitude of thanks in the selflessness from each persons individual efforts!

We invite you to enjoy the pictures and stories of those taking part in this journey as well as read about the outcomes of our fundraising efforts thus far.

Please don’t forget to visit Crystal’s calendar of events as we know you won’t want to miss a single opportunity to be a part of this momentous challenge.  Achieving victory is one step closer each time our community comes together!

We look forward to sharing many more stories and photos of what is still to come!

Warmest regards,

The Team@helpcrystal.org

Event Stories

Sara Kindall wrote, “This summer we, as a class, celebrated our ten-year High School Reunion. It was so much fun to see everyone again and hear what they were up to. We sat all afternoon catching up and laughing remember old times and all the crazy things we did ten years ago. So it was huge shock to hear just days later that Crystal had been diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. A lot of thoughts went through my head when I heard the news. I remember when I came to Cambridge my junior year and felt so out of place. Crystal was so friendly and always had a smile on her face. I remember being on the FFA Horticulture team together and winning first place at State and traveling to Louisville Kentucky for Nationals. I’ll also never forget getting ready for our senior prom together and all the fun we shared.

When I heard about the walk/run here in Cambridge that had been planned for Crystal I was very proud to help where I could. I received the job of making signs for all the sponsors. I was so overwhelmed as Jennifer kept sending me the names of all the people donating for the cause. Hundreds of signs, we were writing them out right down until the day of the auction. The walk/run that morning was very moving as well. So many people flooding to Cambridge in support of Crystal. When everyone loaded the buses there was just a feeling that can’t be described in the air. We all knew why we were there, to support and help Crystal in any way we could. As everyone made the journey that morning I’m sure it meant something different to each person as they crossed that finish line. To me it meant supporting a friend, classmate, wife and mother, all things in common that I share with Crystal. Small town pride showed up in a big way that day to wrap its arms
around one of its own.”

Kasey Brock wrote, “I was overwhelmed and overjoyed (as I often am when these things come up) by the turnout at the benefit for Crystal in Cambridge.  It wasn’t the warmest of days and yet so many people showed up to walk or run in support of Crystal’s battle with cancer.  There were people there who I’m sure don’t even know her, but they know she’s from our valley and were eager to help.  That is one of my favorite things about small town Idaho- people really care and they open up their hearts and their wallets even though sometimes they don’t have a lot to give. Even more people showed up for the spaghetti feed. I didn’t make it to the auction but I heard there were a lot of people there and I know there was an amazing number of donations. The money raised for Crystal on that one day was incredible and the show of support was even greater.  I hope she knows how much everyone from home is pulling for her and I hope we can all continue to help however we can.”

Kim, Larry, Taylor, Cody, and Sydney Seid wrote,

“My kids and I came to the walk/run/spaghetti feed/auction Oct. 10. (Larry was heading out of town on business early the next morning and couldn’t come but wanted to.) We filled in helping where needed, although most of the work had been done before we arrived. I know Crystal wasn’t feeling well that day since it was a few days after a chemo treatment, but she was there greeting everyone at the finish line with a smile and some hugs. Her strong will and positive attitude are so evident. I was also blessed by all who support her… small communities with a BIG heart and overflowing generosity. Crystal, you have a BIG team helping you fight this battle! We love you”

Dori Langer wrote, “I can tell stories of Crystal and I playing dolls at recess, dressing up for the school Christmas programs, being in vacation bible school plays, showing fair animals together, and simply being friends for twenty some odd years. However, I cannot say anything that people do not already know.

Crystal has a beauty that can make anyone smile.  Her welcoming heart, kind touch, and enduring nature makes everyone feel special.  Four months ago, I know there wasn’t anyone prepared for the adventure Crystal was about to begin.  I had the opportunity to go to Crystal’s fundraiser in Cambridge.  I was moved by the fabulous turn out of people that came to walk/run, eat spaghetti and buy some great things in the auction.

It reminded me of how fortunate I am to be from a great small town.  People of all walks in life showed up to walk/run.  I believe that the youngest participant was a three year old that is struggling with his own battle of cerebral palsey (however I am not sure what his official diagnosis is).  The oldest was rumored to be seventy five years old!  Four bus loads later the walk began and everyone enjoyed the time together.

The true inspiration was when we crossed the finish line and there to meet us was Crystal herself.  Although she may have had her head shaved, she looked more beautiful than ever!  Only Crystal and Demi Moore can pull off the shaved head look and look absolutely fabulous!

Eating dinner in the exhibit hall, I was flooded with memories!  I had thoughts of when Crystal and I were younger and we used to spend every Friday night in the old exhibit hall skating!  Then to watch all of the people flood out and spend money on gorgeous items generously donated made me realize, once again, how fortunate Crystal and I are to have had the opportunity to grow up in a small community. Most importantly, it made me realize how wonderful it is to know someone as special as Crystal!”