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Accessibility for all: Helping people connect with who and what matters most
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We come together today to rally around Chris Forristal, a beloved husband, father, and an extraordinary individual who has been dealt a challenging hand. In 2017, Chris was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. There is no cure for this disease.
Chris’s Story: Chris is a devoted husband to Vicki and a doting dad to Hayden and Hadley and has always put family first. His infectious laughter, unwavering support, and zest for life have touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
However, ALS has presented Chris and his family with immense obstacles. Simple tasks like walking, getting in and out of a car, or navigating his home have become monumental challenges. But Chris’ spirit remains resilient. He dreams of maintaining his independence, being able to take his kids to school, explore the outdoors, and create lasting memories with Vicki and their family.
Our Mission: We are launching this community fundraiser to raise funds for two critical needs:
1. Wheelchair Accessible Van: Chris requires a specially modified van that accommodates his wheelchair – and height! This van will allow him to travel safely, attend medical appointments, and participate in family outings. He might even be known to sing along while being in the car…
2. Home Modifications: Chris and Vicki’s home needs adaptations to ensure he can move freely and comfortably. A reconfigured floor plan and accessible bathroom are essential for his safety, extended independence, and long-term care safety at home.
How You Can Help:
1. Donate: Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. Your donation will directly impact Chris’ quality of life. Donations are tax deductible.
2. Spread the Word: Share Chris’ story with your friends, family, and social networks. Awareness is key to our success.
3. Host a Fundraising Event: Whether it’s a bake sale, a charity run, or an ice bucket challenge, your creativity can spark change and drive even more support for Chris, Vicki and their family. Do you want to get involved or help? If so, leave a comment and we’ll reach out to you.
4. Volunteer: Join our team of passionate individuals working tirelessly to support Chris and his family.
5. Subscribe for updates: Add your email to the page and subscribe for updates. We’ll share news from Chris and his family.
Upcoming Events: Stay tuned for more news on ways to support Chris and Vicki and bring our community together, raise awareness, and contribute to our cause.
Together, We Can Make a Difference: Chris’s journey is our collective journey. Let’s rally around him, lift him up, and show him that he’s not alone. Your generosity will empower Chris to face each day with courage and determination knowing he has your support behind him and his family.
Thank you for being part of the Forristal’s incredible community. Together we can make a wheelchair accessible van and home modifications a reality for Chris and his family.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Forristal Family Support Team
The fine print:
Family and friends of Chris Forristal are raising money for Chris and his family through the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with catastrophic illness.
Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors and is eligible for corporate matches as a non-profit. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399 or visit their website for full disclosures based on your state of residence.
It's almost back to school time for our house. And with that comes more updates for all of you.
First, we continue to be amazed and grateful for each of you and your ongoing support. Thank you!
Second, as you know, the van is here but has found it's way to the shop already to get the lift fixed. Thanks to Chris's mom for helping coordinate it on our behalf.
Third, big news: we've are working to get the bathroom modified. As you know, this campaign is to help raise money for the van and the bathroom modifications. So, if you find yourself with spare change, we would be so appreciative as we can honestly say every dollar contributed is going to help these two big expenses in our lives.
Our friends and family continue to help organize around us so we can spend time together as a family. Thank you! And just know how much we appreciate all of you and how you are helping us with the big and small things in life. We appreciate it.
It has been a busy summer! We have had a steady stream of visitors spending time with us and enjoying the Montana summer. And, we've cherished each of their smiles and visits.
We've officially taken the van coast to coast! We had a great family vacation in Washington. You'd be amazed how much can fit into the van (look at the pictures to see our packing skills!).
The van's had a few hiccups and quirks we're working through. But, it is such a blessing to us. Taking the power chair places has been really good for all of us!
We continue to appreciate every token of support and every dollar you've contributed. We remain incredibly grateful for all of the support.
Today is the day: all credit card fees are waived and literally every dollar will go directly to Chris and Vicki. Let's help buy this van in full for them and then give them a start for their home renovations.
Every dollar helps and is greatly appreciated!
It's here! The van has arrived! We took it out yesterday for a family drive after figuring out how to work the lift. It will take some getting used to driving; it's big!
But, thank you for your generosity. We remain appreciative of every dollar you've contributed to help cover the costs; we're getting closer to the price tag each day.
Thank you for your continued support. We feel it all with every dollar raised.
Good news: if you feel inclined to continue giving, we would be so grateful. Between midnight on Friday, May 31 and 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 1, Help Hope Live will cover the credit card fee for all donations made in honor of a Chris on our site; so every dollar in that window really does go directly to us. Mark your calendars and we appreciate your continued support!
We know many of you want to continue to hear from Chris, Vicki and their family. We've started a facebook page to allow for further updates: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559178977769¬if_id=1715542080292906¬if_t=follower_invite&ref=notif
Thank you for your continued support! We're appreciative of every dollar that helps us get to our goal of fully purchasing the van and starting some home modifications.
Our van!! Here's the first pictures to share with this group. And for those of you in cold weather climates still, enjoy the sunny skies of Florida. Next up is coordinating the transfer to MT and making decisions on any additional modifications we need to make for our family. Stay tuned!
We continue to feel all the feels with your support, encouragement, texts and messages. Even if we don't respond immediately, know that we have read them and are thinking of you right back.
We found a van! It's in Florida so we're doing a lot of inspections and conversations, virtually. Hopefully we'll have pictures soon of our new van. Chris and a few others are helping work through the logistics, inspections and ultimately transfer from FL to MT but we're making progress.
Thank you all for your generosity! We are so appreciative of every dollar and thankful you are helping us purchase this van. Each dollar helps us get closer to the goal; thank you.
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Love you guys
Sheila Benner
7th grade will always be one of my favorite years because of our crazy crew. It's nice to know those friendships can last a life time even when we lose touch for a bit.
Our prayers are with you and your precious family as life starts to look a bit different. I have often admired your strength and wisdom, and have no doubt you will continue to go through this with strength and dignity.
Oltmans Family
Continuing to send you support from afar!
Emily Cropper
Chris, you are one of the kindest and most genuine people I know. While you have challenges ahead, I hope the support you’ve received lets you know the impact you’ve had on many lives just by being yourself. I know you find strength in many ways, but never forget the strength we’ve all seen you share with others.
Go well!
Ashton
Ashton Powell
Sending lots of love to all of you! I’m so glad you found a van!
Love,
Gina
Gina Himes Boor
Wishing you all the best!
Paul Schuette
Sending you and your family lots of love
Paula Sieve
Miss you, Vicky! Thinking of you and your sweet family.
Kristel Lehner
So many virtual hugs and positive vibes sent your way!
Lindley Garner
Congratulations on the new van. My thoughts are with you all.
Amy Muhs Noble
Amy Muhs Noble
Love you guys!
Emily Cropper
Vicki and Chris,
Sending lots of love and support from DC.
Love,
Leslie & Dave
Leslie Frattaroli
Christopher, i know your mother-in-law, who is about the kindest person I have ever met. We worked together for about 9 years, and she has talked so lovingly about her daughters and their families. I am praying for you all. Rebecca
Rebecca Seevers
Vicki,
It’s been a minute since our days on the Hill. But thinking of you and sending love and prayers up for you, your husband and children.
Sincerely,
Amanda (Brown) Helgeson
Um yah yah!
Amanda Helgeson
Congrats on the new wheels! Keep it between the lines. ;)
Educational Travel
Chris and Vicki, I came to your wonderful wedding with Claire, Emily and Mike. Sending you love and wishes, Valerie Gower, Claire’s mom in England.
Valerie Gower (Claire’s mom)
Chris and Vicki! Always thinking of you guys. I’m so proud of you both. Hope to see you soon, love, Claire
Claire Gower
We continue to hold you in prayer and trust the love and mercy of Jesus to provide the strength and support you need on this journey.
Ann L Peterson
Sending lots of love and light your way! ❤️
Jennifer Forristal
We love you guys!
The Nelsons
Kathryn Nelson
God bless you with peace and comfort, strength and courage on this journey.
Tim and Lois Vold
Chris and Family,
So happy that were able to find the perfect van to accommodate you and the family. Hope it makes you everyday life and your upcoming trip a little easier. We love you all.
Kerry & Mary
Mary Lindh
Vicki and Chris, you and your family are in my thoughts. My best to you all. I am so pleased that you have found a vehicle that will work for you and will help you get around better. May God bless you and keep you all within his arms. Al
Al Koss
sending our fondest love
The Curtins
ELIZABETH Curtin
Prayers and very best wishes to Chris, Vicki, children, Irene, Bill and all family!
Cynthia Powaga
Love you guys !!!!
Kris and Fred Newell
With Dan'ls spirit I think of you all often and hope for kind transitions and plenty of gratitude. xoxoxo...
Helen Pilling
Thinking of you and your family Vicki.
Alice “Lisa” Flowers
Hearts and Prayers to your family!
Lori
Lori Ortley
Chris is an inspiration to all of us to make the best of the time we have.
Mary Jo Gardner and Denny Olson
Mary Jo Gardner
Katie Barker Nelson’s dad
Larry Barker
Sending hugs from VA!
Elizabeth Holmquist
My best to you all on this journey, warm thoughts and many prayers.
Rita Hanson
Sending you all positive vibes!
- Lora and Mike
Lora Tennant
It was so absolutely lovely to see you all at our Wedding. Sending support, prayers, and so many positive vibes your way!
Anna Thomas
Chris, the prayers and love of All Saints Episcopal are with you and your family.
Charles Knuth
Continuing our prayers that all your needs will be met.
Deborah Waite
May God bless you Christopher and may He hold your hand through this journey. I have never met you but I feel like I know you as your dear Mom Alice talks so highly of you and your family.
Debbie Nick
Debbie Nick
Vicki,
I am so sorry Chris has ALS. I hope this donation will help you get a van and modify your home as you continue to live with ALS.
I use to work for The ALS Association. I know the programs and support can vary widely based on geographic location. I hope you can take advantage of anything they offer, if it's helpful to you. Regardless, I hope you have a robust support system and access to the resources you need.
I'll hold you, Chris, and your children in my heart,
Laura Winterstein (from high school)
Laura Winterstein
Sending love and support to Chris and family! They don't come any nicer than Chris.
Erin Brady
I love the smiles in this picture. You all inspire me ❤️.
Stephanie Skladzien
I would love to help/volunteer however I can from Kansas! Thank you so much for setting this up for them. I am so grateful that I joined into the Forristal family and get to have Chris, Vicki and kids in my life!
Claire Lindh
Wrapping all of you in love, support and care. Thanks for being you and shining your light in our lives! <3
Emily Cropper
Sending love your way!
Megan Thomas
Thank you both for being such good friends! It was so great to see Vicki last week, and we hope to see Chris and the H's sometime soon. Your courage though this is inspiring, and we pray for your continued strength.
Anonymous
Thank you both for making such an amazing impact on all of our lives. Please know that you are often in our thoughts and hearts. We are so happy to support you in this way. Hugs!
Laura Meronk
Love you guys! Even though we moved from MT your pumpkin waffles live on in our house most weekends! Many prayers your direction!- The Coles
Andrew Cole
Love you!
Sarah Richter
Sending your family love and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers!
Astrid Merrifield
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Christopher David Forristal
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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