Christine, whom I have known for thirty-three years and consider family, was on her way from Colorado to northern California to spend a few days at the coast visiting her mother and father when her car left the road in a wooded, hilly remote area in NorCal and fell/flew 100' down a hill. Her car flipped end over end and was finally stopped by a tree, leaving her dangling by the seat belt at times and banging against the driver's side window at others. The top and edges of the car were crushed. Her belongings were strewn all over the hillside. An off-duty first responder was behind her and saw it happen,; his friend called 911 and went back to get a CHPS officer they had passed while the first responder rushed to the car to help. Gratefully, she survived with bruising, sprains, a major headache and seatbelt burns, and was able to leave the ER later that day. She is moving slowly and understandably shook up. Her car is totaled.

Christine has endured many hardships and setbacks both in her childhood and her adult life, and has come through with grace, compassion, and a resilient spirit. She is one of the kindest people I have ever known and I am continuously amazed at her ability to rise above bitterness. I know she will come through this as she has her other difficulties, but I'd love to make it easier, at least financially. Due to some health issues, she has not been able to work in her career as a graphic designer, although she hopes to get back to it one day.

She will need a new car, maybe airfare or a rental to get back home to Colorado. Her 2006 Matrix, although well-loved, will not bring much in an insurance payout. She has to replace things lost on the hillside. There will be more expenses along the line. Please help in whatever amount you can. Let's show Christine that she is loved and valued.