These are Crystal’s Stories, as told by those she has touched and inspired.

Crystal’s Mother Kelly wrote,“This has been a very difficult letter to write, because to tell you all the wonderful things about such a fantastic child would take longer than you want to spend. Some of you may dismiss some of what I say, because I am her Mother & I only see perfection when I look at her. But from the outpouring of love & support that she is receiving from all of you, I am sure you see her as I do. Even people that have known her for a short time are touched by her amazing capacity to love & to make you feel like the most important person in her life, & you ARE. She doesn’t pretend to care about you…she does… from the very deepest part of her heart.

When you first meet her, you see her outer beauty, & she is stunning. But as soon as you see how warm her heart is, you see the beauty that comes from the inside. She has inspired me since the day she was born. I have said before, “When I grow up, I want to be just like her! I don’t know why God has so blessed me, with a child like her” She forgives quickly & only sees the good in each person that she meets. She has an amazing capacity to look past our human flaws & love us in spite of them..

It would take too many pages to tell you about all she has accomplished. When Crystal sets her mind to something, there is no stopping her. She doesn’t back down from anything! Especially, if it sounds like fun. Just stand back & watch, because she will have it mastered in no time! Don’t tell her that she can’t do something, because she will make you look foolish. Not because her goal was to make you look foolish, but because she has no doubt in her mind, that she can do it.

She is gifted, intelligent, talented, independent & a breath of fresh air to be around. I take no credit for the beautiful person that she is. She is an incredible Mother, & I am so proud of her. Not to mention, she has two of the most beautiful girls that I have ever seen. They are so loving, secure & polite. They have an amazing role model in their Mom.

I have so many favorite times with Crystal, but one of the most recent is my 50th birthday. She was a little disappointed at first, that it was supposed to include a larger group of us, but it turned out to be one of the best days EVER, with just her & me. When we have our own families & responsibilities, those times get harder to come by. And I cherish that day with her! We laughed, & laughed & laughed! I had a wonderful day of pampering at a beautiful spa with my daughter. We have a “unique” sense of humor, that not everyone appreciates, but we “get” each other & it was a blast!!!

She can make a lifelong friend of someone that she has met for only a moment. Her heart is so huge! She loves & appreciates each one of you for the joy that you add to her life.

Words aren’t able to express to you how thankful we are for each of you who have given so much of your hearts, time & even money, to encourage her at this difficult time.

We thank God for you & you are continually in my prayers!

Love, Kelly (Mom)”

AJ Fernandez wrote,”I have so many memories with my big sister but one that I remember best is when she came to Lake Lahontan the first year.  I was and still am amazed at how she can make any person feel like their best friend.  I was so nervous to meet my then-fiance’s family and Crystal being there and fitting right in made me fit in.  My sister continues to amaze me every day withher strength and courage.”

Katie Fernandez wrote, “My name is Katie.  I am Crystals little sister.  I was born in Las Vegas, NV four years after C.J.  We share the same Dad and have different Moms.  Although I have never felt like we are “half sisters” Crystal is my only sister, and one of my very best friends!  My first memories of Crystal come from my father.  He would talk about his first born a lot.  Of course, being the youngest of 3 I don’t always remember as much, as early as her and my brother, who is two years my elder.  She is the oldest of the 3 of us and always tookon that role witha lot of love and support.  Ever since I was born Crystal would make trips from Idaho, were she was raised withher mom and step dad, Kelly and Tom to come see our Dad all summer.  I always looked forward to the summer, not only for the time off of school, but to see my BIG sister!  Crystal has ALWAYS been a social butterfly and a very loving person.  She was a beautiful child, inside and out.  She had big brown eyes that barely fit on her little head and a smile that melted anyone she met.  She would go from neighbor to neighbor knocking on the doors of our suburban neighborhood in Vegas seeing who was still there from last year, and who was new and would say “Hey Its me Crystal again!” or “Oh hey! I’m Crystal I live down the street with my Dad in the summers.  Welcome to the neighborhood!”

I was always ready to show her off and to learn from her.  We would have a blast.  I was always the token trouble maker of the bunch.  Crystal says I grew into a much sweeter loving person as I grew up, but I was spunky to say the least!  I know I bugged her, but she was so good with me!  I always knew she would be a great mom one day.  She showed me everything from easy tips on how to color better, and as the years went on–how to apply makeup, shave my legs (without cutting myself haha) and how to have style!  We would do dance routines with our brother A.J even!  Our parents would put us in a lot of matching outfits (dorky 80′s 90′s style– pictures soon to come)!  I remember once Crystal teaching me a routine to “the thunder roles” by Garth Brooke’s in our backyard.

I remember wishing she wouldn’t go home that summer and just stay with me, but I knew that it wasn’t for the best.  Even at that age, I understood that her two lives were good for her.  I know it was hard for her to go back and fourth but it gave her a lot of experience, I think.  She got to live a humble ranching life with all kinds of neat animals, a huge loving family, ride horses and sit by camp fires!  She also got to experience the City life all summer, every summer.  She understood that there was all kinds of people from all kinds of back rounds all over the world.  I was so proud of her!  I always have thought of her as a hero!  As Crystal and I grew up she developed into a really beautiful young women.  I wanted to look like her, and be like her!  My big bro A.J and I are really great friends and we have so many great memories!  Those summers–they really were everything to us.

In August of my 6thgrade year, my parents split up and we then moved to Tennessee with our mom (AJ and and I).  I was really heartbroken to leave everything I knew and loved, especially my dad and his family.  I knew nothing would take me from Crystal but I thought our dad was our only link–the only way I would be by her side all summer long.  A lot of us have hard times and I just had to stay positive.  The following August was one of the hardest experiences for all three of my dads children’s lives.  My father took his own life.  In this time, I almost lost my mind.  I failed 7th grade and started to think darker.  I can honestly tell you that if it wasn’t for Crystal Jean, and AJ I would have lost myself.  It actually, long term, made me a stronger person.  Crystal was determined as the oldest to keep us 3 close.  She told me at AJ’sgraduation, that we were a team and nothing would ever change that.  Crystal was old enough to understand how terrible it was, and for that I admire her strength.  Crystal kept me linked to her.  She told me that NOTHING would pull us apart and that Dad wouldn’t want that for us.  Crystal went on to get married and have children.  Although we lived very separate lives (on seperatecoasts once I moved to Florida with my mom mid-way through highschool) we always made sure we saw each other frequently–and we made the most of our times!!  I know that a lot of people see Crystal as a beautiful person and a hero; for me, she is my rock.  Her, my brother and my mom are my entire world.  The hard times really brought me closer to them and us closer together!  Seeing my sister pregnant with my nieces, standing by her side at her wedding and being involved in her world made the hard times feel ok.  I understood that sometimes bad things happen, and its people like CJ who have shown me how to stay positive!

In my adult life, after high school.  I found myself closer to Crystal than ever.  We talked a lot and we became very close friends.  I think a lot of sisters feel this bond with time.  She has always been really understanding of me, none judgemental and with pure intentions.  I felt I could let my guard down with her and just be myself, she and I lived different lives but were just the same at heart.  She just gets me and knows me better than anyone.  Without her I don’t think I would have the confidence that I do and acceptance of myself.  She is always a shoulder to lean on and a confidence booster.  Pointing out my talent, instead of my flaws, and reminding me to STAY positive.  She came to visit me last year with her girls for a week in Florida.  We rented a beach hotel and just lived it up on the beach all week–laying out, catching up, and cracking up!

I am 24 now.  The last time I saw my sissy before I found out about her illness, was about 3 weeks before she went into the Dr for the unbearable cramps.  My brother was having a family get together for his wives side of the family.  Crystal and I have made it out to this trip the last two summers.  We don’t like to go more than a year–even though we wish we could see each other once a week!  So we met up there (the 3 of us) in Nevada, to spend time together and to introduce my fiance to Crystal and AJ!  This was a really exciting time for all of us!  Crystal was, like always, very active, wakebording, laughing it up and dancing her butt off with me on the beach!  We had a really great time and my fiancéSean fell in love with the my sister and her family, as well as my big brother AJ and his wife Shea.  He told me “after meeting Crystal and AJ, I see why you are such a beautiful person and why you love your family so much. I think they have made you who you are.”  That meant a lot to me, because it is so very true.  They in return loved Sean!  When we got home from our vacation in California/Nevada everything seemed to be on cloud 9 for  me.  I just saw bro and sis and we had a blast!

I talk to Crystal about 3 times a week on the phone.  When I received a missed call from her while working the day of her first Dr. visit I didn’t really think much of it and was unaware of her going to see a Doctor, but then she called me again.  Being that I live in Florida and she lives on the other cost I knew something wasn’t right.  She always just lets me call her back because we are far apart.  I called her as soon as I got the chance and what she then told me was that the Dr’s were concerned.  She explained to me the problem and I stayed very positive.  As the next few days went on she came to the understanding that the Dr’s thougthshe had cancer.  My world shifted on its head and my perspective of life changed dramatically.  I realized again not to sweat the small stuff.  I wasn’t in denial about it, but was certain that they would get it all and she would go threw a quick round of chemo just in case.  Throughout this time we all know what happened next and unfortunately the news wasn’t just that easy for our girl.  I know everything happens for a reason, and that God has a plan for my big sis!  I know that her story will show so many people what a true hero looks like and how to act–and remind many of that, because she has already effected so many people on so many levels in her young life!  This is in fact the hardest thing I have ever gone through and on a much larger scale the hardest thing for her, but we will get through this together especially withall the support everyone has shown and with God on her side!  Crystal has kept me connected to God throughout the years that I didn’t want to face him, and this is a reminder of that!  We are all routing and praying for Crystal to have the quickest, most stress free recovery possible and she can do ANYTHING she sets her mind to!  We all know she is just about everything!  Snow border, skydiver, hairdresser, horseback rider, supermom and 500 other things! This is her biggest challenge yet, and I am so grateful for all of your love and help through her hard time!  I love her more than any amount of words could write but I just wanted to take the time to attempt to tell you what CJ means to me.  I came to see her after her surgery and it was my birthday weekend!  We had a great time regardless because she really does have a beautiful attitude and amazing drive!!  AJ was there during the first surgery, and her finding out.  We are STILL a team thanks to her!  I know God will hold her tight and pull her threw! As she has done for so many of us!”

Crystal’s Step Mom Maureen wrote,“I am Crystals Step Mom Maureen, also AJ and KatiesMom.  Crystal has been an important part of my life since she was three months old the first time I saw her.  She was only 18 months old the first time I got to have her to myself, and “play Mom” while she stayed withher Dad and I for a few weeks.  I was Young and naive but muddled through, and formed a strong bond withher that time, divorce, or even the deathof her Father can’t take away from us.  She IS my child too.  Parents always feel mostly proud of their children, but I was lucky enough to have her Mom Kelly who did a great job of teaching Crystal manners, hard work ethics and responsibility.  When Crystal was withus on holidays and every summer it made things easier for me, not harder, to have another kid.  She was always willing to pitch in and help withher little sister and brother.  When she was a teenager, due to her great upbringing, we experienced none of the usual mouthiness or bad times that most families go through.  Finding out this this beautiful strong woman has cancer has bothhurt me so much, and taught me so much about Crystals strength, determination and faith.  Even on the worst of days when shes feeling awful she still has a don’t worry about me attitude that just blows me away.  Crystal I love you with all my heart and I’m proud to know you…stay strong Baby girl..Love Moe.”

Elizabeth Thomsen wrote, “When I was fourteen, I decided to move to Idaho to live with my grandmother because my home life at the time was unstable.  On my first day of eighth grade in Cambridge, everyone was nice and excited for a new face…until they found out that I was from California.  Crystal was one of the two people who were kind to me on that difficult day.  She greeted me with kindness, a genuine smile, and gave me a chance based on my personality rather than where I was from.  Throughout our high school years together, Crystal was always kind and a positive presence in our class.  To this day, she continues to be an inspiration with her positive attitude and strength.  She is a truly beautiful person, and I feel blessed to know her and to have her as my friend.”

Dallas Young wrote, “Crystal is one of the most amazing people I have ever met.  My husband and I work out with her at a gym in McCall…or we did until she had surgery and now chemo.  She will be back working out with us soon! She is such a wonderful young woman.  She would do anything for you, and now that she is on the receiving end, she is so worried about thanking all the people who are helping her out.  It is wonderful to see how the people in a small town rally around their own.  She is much loved.”

Jennifer Kennedy wrote, “From the very first day I met Crystal I knew she was an amazing girl.  Crystal and Darick were engaged and they had just gotten back from a rodeo and we had all come over for a family dinner at Rick and Waynetta’s.  Crystal and I hit it off from the moment we started talking.  I am quite the talker, but she had no problem keeping up withme.  I had so much fun sharing family stories, talking about hobbies, dreams, loss, and future plans.  If there is one thing I have learned about Crystal from that interaction and all interactions since, she is one of the most sincere, genuine, caring, and passionate people you will ever meet.  WithCrystal what you see is what you get!  She is transparent, approachable, bold, courageous, and one of the strongest people I know!  Even though the statistics would say the prognosis is grim for stage 4 ovarian cancer, if anyone can defy those statistics, it will be Crystal!  Crystal you are beautiful, inspiring and even stronger than you know.  When you feel that you have been pushed to your limit and you can’t give anymore, know that you can, you will, and that you have a God who is withyou in all things, and family and friends who will help you push, fight, and battle with every step of the way!  I love you so much!”

Crystal’s Cousin Brandie Ray wrote,“ I believe I first met Crystal when I was a little younger than seven and lived in Midvale with my Dad. Kelly would watch me before and after school. I know we had some fun times as little girls, doing those fun things little girls do. We moved from Midvale to Grangeville when I was in second grade. At that time, obviously we didn’t keep in touch. We would see one another at family functions, but that was it. It’s been many years since then. My family and I moved to Meridian about six years ago and I was reaquainted with Crystal about three years ago.

Crystal has this AMAZING and strong family foundation.  Every day she is graced with the love and support of her Husband and two beautiful Daughters.  They are a true gift in her life and make everything worthwhile!  In the last three years I have had the honor to share my time with her and even feel like her Sister at times (in a good way)! She is one of very few people I’ve let in. I’m very cautious with who I allow into my life and my family’s as we’ve been hurt many times! You could say, I’m one very protective Mama!

Now that you know a little bit about our history I can tell you how I feel about this gracious lady. Crystal means the world to me…PERIOD! It’s tough, Every moment I think of her. In one moment I smile, because I think of how beautiful she is inside and out as well as her courage and strength to fight this battle. However, there is another moment of me also tearing up, because I can’t imagine the pain she is feeling and how at times tries to hide it from so many. It breaks my heart to see someone so wonderful to be going through this. Not everyone will always agree with the choices that one makes in life, but no matter what, no one deserves to ever have to go through what this beautiful woman has had to endure in such a short time.

Crystal has a very BIG journey ahead of her and I hope that I can, and that she’ll allow me, to be there every step of the way. My presence may not always be ‘physical’, but mentally and emotionally and withmy heart, I’m ALWAYS withher! There is not a moment that goes by that she’s not on my mind. We talk of her daily in our family. Oh and you know Crystal and her phone, we literally text daily. She probably gets sick of it at times, because I always have to do my daily check-ins with her and make sure she’s ok. It’s a must though. As everyone has mentioned, she will be a friend to anyone in need and a faithful one at that. She would do anything for anyone. If you have had the chance to have Crystal touch your life for even a moment, you’re very blessed!

Crystal has touched me and my family in so many ways. I can’t name just one, because I wouldn’t know which one to choose, but to name them all, I’d be here all day! We’ve had some things that we’ve dealt withover the last year in a half and even with everything she’s going through, she always tells me, “Smile Bran…it’s going to be ok!” You know what? She’s right! What we’ve dealt withis NOTHING compared to what she has had to deal with.

Plus, I am blessed to have an amazing little family, our health and a small handful of friends/family that we can trust and that care for us. Nothing else in this world matters. If you have those things, there should be nothing else in life that you need. She has also brought light to many, that you can NEVER take life for granted! You have to embrace and really live each day to it’s fullest! Never let a moment pass by and always tell those that matter that you love and care about them!

Crystal, I’ve said it before, I know that if there is something out there that will cure you, I know you’ll find it. You’re mother is right, if you set your mind to it, there’s no stopping you! You’re head strong and I know that you’ll fight this the whole way! We’re all here and we’re all on your side! We love you sunshine. Crystal, I’m greatfulto have you in my life, I love you and I’m always here for you! Always keep your faith and lets prove that you can conquer this and that miracles happen!!

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest…Matthew 11:28

God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep…Psalm 121:3

So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love…1 Corinthians 13:13

I LOVE YOU Crystal J! You’re forever in my heart!! xoxo ~ Bran”

Hailie Ashley wrote, “What I can say about Crystal is that she was one hell of a showman up at fair.  She knew her animals like no other and I am truly sorry for what she going through along with her family. I can honestly say I know what they are going through.  My dad passed away four years ago to a brain tumor but she is beautiful and strong and I know she can pull through this!”

Penny Chandler wrote, “I remember the time she came back to a Cambridge High School football game as an alumni.  I believe I was in a cheerleading uniform and was craving nachos.  I ran into her at the concession stand.  We chatted for a few minutes while in line and then she made a gesture toward her shoulder like she was adjusting something and i made a curious face.  She then pulled back the collar of her shirt to show me a bright NEON GREEN TREE FROG the size of a cell phone, sitting in the crook of her collarbone.  It was totally real!  Her little pet.  Quite a few years have passed since then and I have yet to meet anyone else who shows me their pet frog that’s hiding under their shirt…and I’d bet my right arm I never will again!”

Brandy Chavez (“Crystal’s small town sista”) wrote, “Growing up I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take in all the glory and beauty that is Idaho.  My sophomore year in High School I moved to the very rural town of Cambridge.  While there I was able to learn the true meaning of community, compassion, and friendship.  It is a town where people come together to help each other out in times of need…and celebration.  Not only that, it is a place where no matter how long it has been since you have seen someone, you are forever their companion!  There is a small town bond that is rare and a true gift to all of us that reveled in it.

Something else that was a rare gift was meeting Crystal.  She is warm, lively, sweet, and genuine.  We had quite a few classes together and always had fun chatting when the teachers weren’t around.  One of my favorite memories was when Crystal offered to do my hair for prom!  She was so talented even then.  I just let her go to town and ended up with a masterpiece.  All night everyone wanted to know who did my hair because it was so cute!  That is the thing about Crystal; even though she had priorities of her own (like doing her OWN hair), she would always help out others first.  And let me tell you, that wasn’t the only time!

I adore that Crystal always has this HUGE smile that just lights up the room and she is always so carefree and fun loving.  You always know that when Crystal is around a good time will be had.  I am thankful that I was able to experience that time in my life with her.

It has been a while since I have visited with Crystal but like I mentioned before, our community allowed us to be forever intertwined.  No matter the time, or distance, she is my friend.  Everyday she is my inspiration, strength, and my hope.  And now, I am finally able to return her graciousness and be a part of her team.  And what an honor it is.”

Annika (from Sweden) wrote: “My son Henrik went to school in Cambridge, ID in the school year 1998-1999.  I visited  twice and met, among others, a wonderful young girl named Crystal.  She was someting special.  She made a lasting impression on me and  further more, on my Son. They were something rather rare, real good  friends.  I´ll never forget leaving Cambridge after a highschool exam, Henrik and I stopped at Crystal’s home to say goodbye.  There were a lot of tears from both the kids and from their mothers.  I remember Crystal turning to me with tears running down her chin, she said to me ”I love him, you know?”

And I knew what she meant.  It is rare to love someone of opposite sex without beeing IN LOVE.  To have full confidence and trust, like a family member.  When I drove down to Boise, with my son leaning towards the window, not saying a word, I felt that pain.  His high school year in Cambridge meant very much to him and to the entire family.  A great part of that year was Crystal. You sweet, darling girl !!

I´ll do all I can for you, starting tomorrow.  I´ll ask everybody I
know to contribute. Please tell me if there is something in particular I can do! Crystal I feel so much warmth and love towards you, always have.  You are indeed someone very special.

All my deepest thougts and big hug,love and care !!

Henrik´s mum Annika”

Naomi Scales wrote, “Hi my name is Naomi. I first learned of Crystal’s story through my friend Brandy and have been following her courageous journey ever since. Although I have NEVER met Crystal or her beautiful family, I am both touched and inspired by her unfailing faith and incredible strength to get up each and every morning prepared for “battle” by putting on each and every piece of the armor of God, so that she might stand firm in this. All the while living her life to the fullest and without so much as a grumble. I see this AMAZING lady who seems to possess not only a physical beauty but inner beauty as well and has not so much as used anything negative. For example; the news she has received from doctors has just been fuel to feed her WILL to live and given her DETERMINATION to beat this that much more, showing each of us that this is NOT going to get the best of her. She has brought a whole new meaning to the words “Fight Like a Girl” to not only me but also those around her.

Crystal, I LOVE how you just keep going despite the pain, nausea and even the fears you may be experiencing. The rawness of your thoughts and feelings, especially in your journal section, the bold statements of some of your photos are so powerful. Your determination to not let this knock you down but instead continue to shine your “light” that much more and that much brighter in the lives of the many you have touched…whether it be the ones closest to you, or giving hope and strength to those women who may be battling the same thing, to those like myself who have never met you is admirable. Thank you for having the courage to continue to share your story, your thoughts even on those days where you may not feel at your best. You have such an AMAZING support group behind you!  The outpouring of love and their words of encouraging support and seeing everyone just come together for this cause is indescribable. I LOVE your passion and motivation.

The beautiful and inspirational photos you have posted are amazing.  Being a mother myself my favorites would have to be those with you and your beautiful little ladies holding and comforting you, standing so strongly by your side, they send goose bumps. The beautiful letter your Mother and Sister wrote caused uncontrollable tears for I am both of those and I could definitely visualize those memories as I read the words of Katie as they are similar to some of the experiences I have shared with my own Sister’s. Using your experience to possibly reach other women who may be going through the same thing I believe your story will give them the courage and strength to keep fighting as you do and get them through another day.

Crystal, I believe God will carry you and your family through this and in the meantime use this experience to reach others in many ways.  I believe God is not finished with you and has such a wonderful plan for you.  Crystal I see that you are truly loved and looked up to by many; I really hope to meet you someday. You are indeed someone very special and you are constantly in my prayers.

Jer 46:3-4 (NIV) “Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle! Harness the horses, mount the steeds! Take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears, put on your Armour!”

Crystal Remember:

You’re brave and you’re beautiful.
So, hold your head high.
Don’t ever let ‘em define
The light in your eyes.
Love yourself, give them hell.
You can take on this world.
You just stand and be strong
And then fight Like a girl.”

* Help Crystal and Her Family – Donate Here *

If you would like to share your bio of Crystal, send it (along with a picture of yourself) to youcan@helpcrystal.org