The timing of this feature could not be more relevant. Not only is Kristy an inspiring weight loss surgery community member, but she's also an adoptive parent to Spencer, a young orphan from Haiti. In the wake of the tragic earthquake that hit Haiti, Kristy offers a unique perspective on how people can help, and also how strong the people of Haiti truly are.
Kristy had her surgery on October 23, 2007 at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Boise, Idaho. After over thirty medical procedures related to stomach and mentrual issues, Kristy and her husband Alan decided to be proactive about her health and looked into gastric bypass surgery after it was suggested by her doctor. She had been diagnosed with PCOS and she an Alan were unable to conceive. Little did they know just how dramatically the surgery would change their lives.
During this time, they also adopted Spencer, Spencer was born in 2003, to loving married Haitian couple who couldn't afford to feed him,or care for him, they had 5 other children. Thy wanted him to have a better life,and they they placed him in a Christian Orphanage Called New Life Link and Hope for the children of Haiti run by Dr. Jacob Benard.
Kristy says, "I want people to know about the people that were there before the earthquake helping Haiti and the people of Haiti, there are so many people from all around the world that have been there for years and years dedicating their lives taking their family's to Haiti to help. Please go and visit people's sites, see the work they have been doing and if you can sponsor someone or a family then please I encourage you to do that so they can continue their work there. Here is a family that I would love everyone to go check out and support even if it is just a comment or email, they took care of Spencer for 10 months while his forever home was being found and approved and they were touched so much that, they sold everything packed up their kids and moved to Haiti, to help Haiti and the people of Haiti and have been there Since Aug 2007, And they are still committed there. Please visit http://bleshblog.wordpress.com/"
Kristy's life was already blessed with the addition of Spencer, but soon she and her husband Alan would also hear of another miracle - this time, as a result of her choice to have gastric bypass surgery. She recently found out that she had become pregnant, and it is a baby girl that they have already name Skarlett.
I asked Kristy how life had changed for her, and she responded, "How has it not? Everything has changed. Weight loss surgery changes everything in your life and everyone in your life. Life is good! I thought I was active at over 400 pounds, I was active for the life style I as living I guess, but my family and I can do things that I was never able to do, I can get on the floor with my son and play, be involved with him and his school, be involved with what my husband can do, pretty much anything they want or I want. EVEN CONCEIVING A BABY."
Now baby makes four. What an amazing family, and an amazingly inspirational woman.
The
following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only:
- SMS
text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
- SMS
text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief
efforts
- SMS
text "GIVE10" to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief
