Jolynn Sarris

My name is Christopher Sarris, and my beautiful wife is Jolynn Sarris.

We’d like to share a little of our story.

I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, while Jolynn was born in Denver, Colorado. Her childhood began under difficult circumstances. As a young girl, she spent her early years in foster care until she was seven years old, when Glenn and Dr. Sharon Larson opened their hearts and adopted her. They gave her the loving forever home every child deserves. When she was twelve, the family moved to Grand Island, Nebraska, where she spent most of her teenage years and early adulthood.

In 2010, fate stepped in. Jolynn and I met while working in North Carolina. We were managers of separate stores for the same company, and from the moment we met, I was captivated by her kindness, her sense of humor, and, of course, her beauty. I knew very quickly I had found someone special.

Not long after we met, our lives changed forever.

Jolynn experienced her first neurological attack. After countless doctor visits, MRIs, X-rays, a spinal tap, and more tests than anyone ever hopes to endure, she was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

A year later, we moved to Nebraska, where she felt most at home and could be close to her best friend. We hoped for a quieter life, but MS had other plans.

Over the years, Jolynn has endured four major MS attacks. Two required week-long hospital stays, and another was so severe that she spent two weeks hospitalized followed by rehabilitation. After every relapse, she lost a little more of her independence.

Then, in 2021, everything changed.

Her final major attack took away her ability to walk. Today, she can only stand for a brief moment before losing her balance and falling. Something as simple as getting out of bed, using the restroom, taking a shower, preparing a meal, or getting dressed now requires assistance. Over the years, as her condition has worsened, I’ve had to cut back on my work to be there for her as her primary caregiver. We unfortunately don’t live near family, so our options for help are very limited.

The hardest part isn’t just what MS has taken physically, it’s what it’s taken emotionally. Jolynn has always loved being outdoors. She loved hiking wooded trails, swimming, exploring new places, and simply enjoying life. Today, those things are incredibly difficult. Spending so much time inside has been heartbreaking for someone who once found so much joy in the world beyond our front door.

Recently, Jolynn was approved for an electric wheelchair. You could call it a blessing, and for the first time in years, I saw a spark return to her eyes. She smiled because she could once again imagine going to parks, visiting family, attending events, and simply getting out of the house.

Unfortunately, there’s one major obstacle. Our small Chevy Sonic simply cannot transport her power wheelchair. It’s far too heavy to lift and far too large to fit. As wonderful as the wheelchair is, it’s become a reminder that freedom is still just out of reach.

That’s why we’re asking for your help.

We’re raising funds for a handicap-accessible van that will allow Jolynn to safely travel with her wheelchair. This isn’t about buying a vehicle, it’s about restoring a piece of the life that Multiple Sclerosis has taken from her. We are also hoping to raise funds for moving expenses as we want to be closer to our family to receive more in person support. Our daughter, who is spearheading this campaign, is eager to help us get to her area so that she can help her mom thrive.

We want to visit family. We want to go to parks, community events, doctor’s appointments without worrying how to get there, and maybe even take a scenic drive just because the weather is beautiful. Most of all, we want Jolynn to experience the world again instead of watching it pass by from our living room window.

If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, you will be helping give my wife something priceless: freedom, independence, and the opportunity to create new memories together.

And if you’re unable to give, we completely understand. Sharing our story with others is every bit as meaningful, and we’re grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your kindness means more to us than words can express.

With gratitude,

Christopher & Jolynn Sarris