Help Christie Bring Eric Home

❤️

A Family's Journey Through Stroke Recovery

Sometimes life changes in a single moment. For Christie and Eric, that moment came on Halloween morning.

For more than 38 years, Christie dedicated her life to managing Lacey Oaks Stables. It wasn't just a job; it was her passion and a place where she built relationships, made memories, and shared her love of horses, people, and animals. It was also where she met Eric.

What began as a friendship grew into a love story. Christie and Eric have now been together for more than 16 years. They have always had each other, Christie’s daughter Jeannie, and their four beloved dogs.

Unfortunately, an unforeseen circumstance forced Christie and Eric to leave behind the life they had known at Lacey Oaks Stables. With very little notice, they had to pack up and move their entire lives. Christie was heartbroken to leave behind something she had poured so much of herself into for nearly four decades.

They used their savings to make a fresh start in the home they rent today. Eric began working at State Ave Vet, where he was happy to be and loved the people he worked alongside. Slowly, they were finding their footing again and building a new chapter together.

Then came Halloween morning, October 31, 2026.

Christie heard a faint voice coming from their front door.

"Help me."

When she went to see what was happening, she found Eric collapsed in the doorway. She desperately tried to pull him inside but couldn't do it alone. Terrified, she called 911. At the hospital, the devastating news came: Eric had suffered a massive stroke accompanied by a serious brain bleed.

Everything changed in an instant.

Eric is currently in the ICU, facing an incredibly difficult road ahead. He is unable to speak right now, but something beautiful is happening between him and Christie every day. She is there with him every morning. They hold hands. They share loving looks. Even without words, Eric knows when his Christie is there. And when asked what she wants most, Christie's answer is simple:

"I want him home." Those four words are at the heart of this fundraiser.

Why We Need Your Help

Before Eric's stroke, he was the primary source of income for their household. Without his income, the financial uncertainty is enormous. They have monthly rent, utilities, transportation expenses, household bills, and the ongoing responsibility of caring for their four dogs. Right now, Christie is making daily trips to the hospital to be by Eric's side. While she focuses on being there for him, the everyday expenses at home don't stop.

And Eric's journey won't end when he leaves the ICU. He may need multiple forms of rehabilitation and therapy as he works toward recovery. These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, transportation to appointments, and other needs that we cannot fully anticipate yet.

We want to help relieve as much of that financial pressure as possible so Christie can focus on what matters most: being with Eric and helping him through the long road ahead.

We are setting an initial fundraising goal of $40,000 to help provide:

• Housing stability and monthly rent.
• Utilities and essential household expenses.
• Gas, transportation, and hospital-related travel costs.
• Groceries and everyday necessities.
• Food and care for their four beloved dogs.
• Rehabilitation, therapy, and recovery-related expenses.
• A financial cushion for unexpected expenses as Eric's needs become clearer.

Every dollar will help give Christie and Eric some breathing room during an incredibly difficult time. If you're able to donate, please know that every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference. If donating isn't possible right now, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community is another incredibly meaningful way to help.

Follow Along on Their Journey

We have also created a Give InKind page where we will share updates every Friday so everyone who has donated, shared, prayed, or simply followed along can stay connected to their journey. We want you to know how your generosity is helping, how Eric is progressing, and what Christie and Eric need as they navigate the days and months ahead.

There will also be opportunities to contribute gift cards to help with groceries, dog food, gas, and other everyday necessities.

My name is Onalyz, and I will be helping manage the fundraising and Give InKind pages on behalf of Christie and Eric. Christie will receive and manage all monetary donations.

This is about more than raising money. It's about surrounding two people who have spent their lives caring for others with love and support during a difficult time. Christie and Eric have a long road ahead, but they won't walk it alone.

Let's help Christie and Jeannie bring Eric home.

Thank you for being part of their story. Thank you for showing up for them. And thank you for reminding them that even in the hardest moments, there is still so much kindness in this world.

With gratitude,

Onalyz, on behalf of Christie and Eric ❤️

CLICK HERE To visit their Give InKind Page.