Monkees – Meet the Croyle Family.
This is Kristin, Lance, and their eight children. The youngest, Amirabelle, is seven months old and the oldest, Joey, is 18.
Kristin and Lance are deeply in love. They each describe themselves as simple people – Lance says that Kristin is tough as nails, full of energy, fun, bright, wise, faithful, and hopeful. Their home and hearts are full to bursting.
Kristin’s friend, Debby, wrote recently to tell me that Kristin Croyle, wife to Lance, mother to eight, dear friend to many- has just been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. The Croyle family, their wide circle of friends, their church, and their entire community have been devastated by this news. Debby didn’t have any idea who I was, or who the Monkees were. But a friend of a friend mentioned that we help with miracles, so she decided to give us a try.
Lou, the Chairmonkee of Monkee See- Monkee Do, called the Croyle home and spoke to both Lance and Kristin. They were gracious and kind and lovely to Lou. Lou told them about the Monkees and asked them what we could do to help. Kristin requested prayer. Then she informed Lou in no uncertain terms that it was not her time to go, no matter what the doctors said. She explained that she had babies to raise. Beautiful babies to raise. She loves them each so achingly much that she refuses to leave them behind. Kristin told Lou that she was not going to die.
Lou believed her. I do, too.
We are going to grant Kristin’s request and pray ceaselessly. But we are also going to offer the Croyles a living prayer. Kristin’s humility wouldn’t allow her to share the secret wish of her heart with Lou. But we discovered her secret wish. Monkees have ways.
The Croyles have never taken a family vacation. They are hard workers, these Croyles, and putting food on the table has required all they earn. That’s always been more than fine with them. They’re an extremely grateful couple. But Kristin recently told a friend that what she really wants right now, in the wake of her diagnosis, is to put her feet in the sand, feel the warmth of the sun on her shoulders, stare out at the big, big ocean, and listen to Lance and her children play in the surf . . . for the first time.
DONE.
This group – this Monkee group, many of whom have been together for years and many of whom were brought here by a post about Kairos- is going to provide a week of kairos to a family who needs it.
Thanks to Lou and Lance’s sister, Kelly, we have reserved a house for the Croyles. Here it is. It’s on Captiva, on the Southern Gulf side of Florida. Captiva is known for its tranquility, seashells, and sunsets. Perfect. Look, there are already ten chairs all set up and ready. We’ll just need a little beach jumper for Amirabelle.
The Monkees will fly the ten Croyles – plus Joey’s adorable girlfriend – from Pennsylvania to this beautiful place. We will pay for their flights. We will pay for their house and we will pay for their food. Maybe we’ll even hire a chef. We will hire a photographer to take family pictures on the beach. Kristin’s children will swim with the dolphins. Lance will take a deep breath or two. And Kristin will sit on the beach and soak up the sun and the energy and the prayers and the inspiration she needs to come home and kick cancer’s ass. Because it is not her time. Because Kristin has some babies to raise.
We are going to raise this money, one Monkee at a time, as a team.
Here’s the catch - no Monkee is allowed to donate more than $25 per day.
These Love Projects are as much for the givers as they are for the receivers - and we want as many human beings as possible to be part of this miracle. We want thousands of souls invested in this family . . . thousands of people praying and sending healing energy and love towards Kristin.
Heal her, God. Heal her completely and fully. Shock the doctors, God. Send Kristin home to love those beautiful babies and live out her one, precious, irreplaceable life.
In the meantime . . .
Please, go to the PayPal button on the right side of the blog (in the middle of the column) and donate whatever you can- 5, 10, or 25 dollars.
Then think of five friends who have a heart and twenty five dollars and invite them to share in this miracle, too.
Come back each day. I’ll let you know how we’re doing. Also – prayers, please. This vacation will not be the Croyles’ miracle. We expect nothing less than Healing. Complete and total healing. Then we celebrate like we’ve never celebrated before.
Let’s do this. For Kristin. For ourselves. For Love.
Love,
Debby, Kelly, Lou and G
[...] us. away. Giving only in increments of $5, $10, and $25, Monkees raised $27,000 in 10 hours. You can read the Croyle story here. And the follow up story [...]
[...] she announces that her Monkees raised tuition money for children of a single mom with cancer, or sent the family of a dying mother on their first vacation. She is so genuinely attuned to each reader’s struggles and so tenacious in her efforts to [...]
Monkees who want to GIVE, GIVE, GIVE..please know that NEXT WEEK we will be launching a SERIOUS LOVE FLASH MOB for two more families who need us.
GET READY!!!!
kristen – still think of you often and hope your trip to Florida was everything you dreamed of!!!
[...] Knowledge – Grace – Pause – Focus – Listen. [...]
Love the blog and love this amazing gift to that family! I live in Naples and know a fantastic photographer who could take amazing beach shots for this family. Her name is Monet Layton and she’s shy, sweet, and her best friend lost her husband to cancer while she was pregnant. If you want her contact info, please email me and I’ll gladly pass it on. Keep up God’s good work!
I took a short break from the computer and this…AMAZING!!! Touched to tears and beyond – please let us know if donating opens back up!! Thanks!!
Thanks Michelle! Please see the most recent blog post to see that we have reached our goal to give Kristin and Lance’s family a vacation. If you still wish to give, consider giving to the Kristin Croyle Fund which will be used for unexpected family expenses, medical costs, and family needs.
Thanks so much!
Lou
I’d like to share some information on natural healing, I met a woman who not only beat cancer, stage 4 (with a 6 WEEK to live diagnosis) she kicked cancer’s ARSE! Completely cancer/tumor free in under one year. So…inbox me so I can share the details for you to send to the lovely mom of 8!!!
paypal button is not showing up on firefox or safari
and the link isn’t working – what is email address or user for paypal?
please let me know how to help.
thank you
Thanks Tina! Please see the most recent blog post to see that we have reached our goal to give Kristin and Lance’s family a vacation. Monkee See – Monkee Do has more projects in the works and there will be more opportunities to help in the future.
If you wish to give to the Croyle Family, consider giving to the Kristin Croyle Fund which will be used for unexpected family expenses, medical costs, and family needs.
Thanks so much!
Lou
A story for the Croyles: my best friend in college found out that her father was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 65. He was told he had about 6 months to live. She was devastated. But she also knew what a fighter he was, and she told me she was sure he’d beat the cancer. Six months later, he was still alive and fighting, despite having to have major surgery to remove the cancerous tissue in his brain. Anyway, he lived TEN years and finally died of…you guessed it…natural causes. Peacefully and painlessly. Looking back, my friend told me that she knew her dad’s survival was all due to his attitude and personal strength. Stay positive, Kristin!
Yes, Paypal button?? I want to help and see if I can get this out there to more Moms. But want to make sure they can donate. Go Kristen!! We are all behind you to fight this!! Ok so I just figured out the $$ has been raised for the vacation but they are going to need lots of $$ during her treatment. Can we raise more for them? So many still want to help.
Thanks Sharon! If you wish to give, consider the Kristin Croyle Fund which will be used for unexpected family expenses, medical costs, and family needs.
Thanks so much!
Lou
I cannot find the button to donate either.
Thanks arc!
Please see the most recent blog post to see that we have reached our goal to give Kristin and Lance’s family a vacation. Monkee See – Monkee Do has more projects in the works and there will be more opportunities to help in the future. There is a button on the Monkee See – Monkee Do page for our general fund.
If you wish to give to the Croyle Family, consider giving to the Kristin Croyle Fund which will be used for unexpected family expenses, medical costs, and family needs.
Thanks so much!
Lou
HAd to wait to payday to give, now i can’t find the pay pal button that was there YESTERDAY! help!
Thanks Lindsey!
Please see the most recent blog post to see that we reached our goal to give Kristin and Lance’s family a vacation in 10 hours! Monkee See – Monkee Do has more projects in the works and there will be more opportunities to help in the future. There is a button on the Monkee See – Monkee Do page for our general fund.
If you wish to give to the Croyle Family, consider giving to the Kristin Croyle Fund which will be used for unexpected family expenses, medical costs, and family needs.
Thanks so much!
Lou
Hi !!!!!! I’m the FRIEND OF A FRIEND ! I did not even realize this had happened until late last night !!! I’m beside myself and almost in desbelief !!! This is AMAZING !
Just came over via Suburban Correspondent–what an amazing blessing you’ve given this family.
I am the photographer that “Christina” (below) referred to. I do photography and especially love photos on a beach. Would love to be able to bless your family with some photography if possible. I am in Virginia and live on the Chesapeake Bay. Please email me if I can possibly help in this way.
Lynn
I am completely blown away! I was planning to donate when I got home tonight, I guess next time I will pull over and donate immediately!! =)
Although I missed the chance to give tangibly I will not miss the opportunity to lift this family up in prayer! Thank you Monkees, for amazing me today with your unbelievable display of support and love!!!
Thanks Emmydan! We believe the most powerful gift you can give the Croyle family is your prayers. Thanks so much for helping in the way. We really appreciate it!
Lou
Oh no! Prayers for their family every day. I would love to donate, but can’t seem to find the pay pay button? Has anyone else had this problem?
They have taken it down, because the donation goal of 25,000 was met.
G~ I miss the computer for a day or two and look what I come back to!! A real life miracle in the making….woohoo!! I have already wrapped my arms in faith around this lovely family and am squeezing them so tight, I think someone might be struggling for air. That tight! Mama Kristin, you and I think alike, as momma’s often do. I do not have cancer, but have struggled with very serious health issues in the past 10 years. When the doctors finished and said the little “go get your affairs in order” chat, I explained to them that they misunderstood. My moto during all my treatment had become “God did not give me four babies to get up and leave them.” We both still had work to do getting them prepared for this ride called life. Now it has had it’s moments, some a little less enjoyable than others but here we all are 9 years later still hanging strong. God taught us with a little prodding that we can have a different version of a great life.
Morgan (24) learned how capable she was at such a very young age. Gracie learned to nurture, when she wanted to be nurtured. Livvy set her sights on being by my side 24/7 and I think we have achieved that. Jakie lets us all know inhis eyes (it’s no big deal) and lets move on and not think about ourself to seriously. Kristin, I have learned to breathe and slow down and understand this gift that God gave me to teach my children what love and life are really about. I wish it had been packaged a bit nicer, but who am I to get picky??? Hug everyone tight and know all the monkees are here with you for your journey. Much love to a new, dear friend~
I missed this! What can this Monkey do? My Sister was diagnosed with Brain Cancer last month…..What a Shocker, for someone who is the picture of health.
I have an Aunt who is a photographer, she lives on the Chesapeake Bay and has done numerous photos for families at the Beach….. She is also a Pastors wife and I am sure she would love to Bless this family.
Please look up http://www.affairsoftheheartnow.net/ I will have her connect with you as well!
Christina
Where is the button to donate? I don’t see one.
[...] pray for and on whose behalf she was requesting donations. You have to read the story at the link here, and then read her update. [...]
Praying for Kristin and her lovely family. I live in that beautiful part of SWFL, and I hope she will find the peace to begin the healing process here. We can do hard things!
What an amazing example to all of us of the difference one person can make! As my kids would say, Thank you a google times! I don’t know how to share this with Kristin other than this way. My father was diagnosed with kidney cancer in October. Options weren’t good given other health concerns, so he began reading. He read an article that lemon juice has been found to kick cancer’s ass, but that we don’t hear about it b/c of the pharmaceutical greed, blah, blah, blah… Anyway, he decided he had nothing to lose by giving it a shot and began drinking lemon juice in his water 3x/day for the next 3 months as doctors made their plan for surgery, etc. Less than 2 weeks before scheduled surgery, his tests showed NO CANCER anymore. I know this is crazy and too simple to be true. I know more prayers were said for his healing than I can count, and I know God heard those prayers. If HE used lemon juice at all to bring about this healing, then by golly, HE can do that again. For what it’s worth Kristin, when life hands you lemons, start squeezing baby, start squeezing! Love & prayers for your miracle!
How wonderful!
that is so awesome!! best of luck for your family and father in law!! wonderful to hear~~
Praying.
Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of this family with more love than they knew they could hold. Fill the minds of the doctors and nurses who care for Kristin with knowledge and wisdom and compassion. Let them see with your eyes and guide their hands in everything they do.
AMAZING! The power of prayer and the generosity of strangers is so truly awesome – it is a humbling reminder that we are more than just ourselves in our own little worlds! When there is so much hatred in the world it is so wonderful to hear these stories. This is true human nature! May God bless this family and all those who selflessly donated!!
I have looked for the button everywhere that everyone posted to look….. and still no luck. I simply must donate, there are tears streaming down my face and fervent prayers flowing from my heart to our Saviour pleading for this family. Is there another way to donate since I can’t find the button?
HOW did I miss this?!!!! – Just found your update and followed the link to the original post! Monkees are AWESOME!!!
Wow – I just found you through Zite magazine and you are just amazing. I love you and your story and your writing and your monkees. Will donate to your lovely cause, have already shared this amazing story. Thank you for spewing loveliness all over the internet…it needs it.
Just stumbled across your blog! AMAZING!
We thank you god for all the miracles and blessings that you pour upon us everyday!! We thank you for the doors you have opened, the ones you have closed and the doors that will be open! We know that nothing is too difficult for you, GOD. God you said that when two or more are gathered on one accord, if your will, it will be done!! We ask you god for a complete healing of Cancer in this lovely woman Kristen!! We ask that you amaze doctors, we ask that every cell in her body flow with the blood of Jesus and that every good cell attack the bad cells ( cancer) and that the spirit of infirmity be gone!! CANCER be gone, it cannot live in her body!! that your word, your promise and by HIS stripes we are and Kristen is already healed. The healing that flowed through Jesus is in each and everyone us! God we ask that you Grant this miracle, god!!!Thank you for healing Kristen in the NAME of JESUS!! In the name of Jesus. AMEN
Tears and prayers for this lovely family. I can’t find the button to donate – can someone help me please!?!
Probably b/c we reached our goal already!! Just read the update from G….$25,000 was raised in 10 hours. Amazing. Wonderful. Amazingly Wonderful!!!!
[...] Click here to read the Croyles Story at Momastery. [...]
I love this family so muchh! Praying for a miracle <3 stay strong kylee! God and I love you so much <3
This reminds me of my husband’s grandfather’s life story–In 1965 at the age 47 he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. The doctors told him to quit his job and say his goodbyes, that he might have 6 months to live, if he was lucky. He passed away November 8, 2011.
Praying for you Kristin.
Dear Lord,
Heal this mama. Let her raise her babies. You are all knowing and all powerful, and we know you can heal!
Donating soon. What a wonderful thing to be a part of.
I’m a new Monkee, and so honored to be. Praying HARD for this sweet family. Donations sent and will share the story.
Do you read these comments? I only just read your blog and I thought of this:
http://www.sott.net/articles/show/228583-Scientists-cure-cancer-but-no-one-takes-notice
I don’t know if she has any treatment plan, but maybe she could look into this? I don’t know if it’s for real or not, but if I had cancer I would be looking into it myself. I wish it had come in time for my mother and sister.
Love your blog. You save my life!
Donated! Much love and prayers for this beautiful woman.
I will be keeping this family in my thoughts & prayers.
Donated and praying for the Croyles.
I’m new to this monkee business and couldn’t be happier to have found this blog and its community. My donation is made and I’m sending prayers out to this family. Xoxo
What a wonderful thing you are doing for this beautiful family and I’m proud to be a part of it.
donated and the family will be on the Daughters of the King prayer list for as long as they need them. Go God. Blessings,Monkees.
Donation-done! Silent moment of prayer-done! See you tomorrow for a repeat:)
Just donated and sending happy thoughts and prayers to this beautiful family!
I don’t normally pray but I will every night before I go to bed for this family.
Kick Cancers ASS!!!!!!
Donation Made.
Praying for this family. I am believing with you all that Jesus wants to heal this mother. Donated and shared on facebook. Praying this is the vacation of a lifetime for this family.
I’m sending a little donation and lots of prayers. I find the beach to be so healing, thank you to everyone who is making this happen for this family.
Donated, shared and about to pray!
Donation sent, prayers said (and will continue), email sent, Facebook shared
Thank you for getting this family’s story out there. How incredible would it be for her to be able to finish raising her babies and be an example of the miracles God is capable of? I hope against hope she will be. xoxo
Donated. Prayers and peace for the Croyles!
Prayers sent! Donation sent!
This is AMAZING. Can’t wait to see this family enjoy this vacation and may all our monkee prayers and wishes heal Kristin.
Donated. Praying. Loving.
Repeat…
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Luke 6:31
Prayers and donation sent willingly.
Done. May sunshine and waves and laughter and prayers and LOVE be her cure.
So happy to donate! Will donate again next week.
Dear Kristin,
Miracles happen every single day. In January of 2009 my 32 year old brother called to tell me he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Suffocating is the only way I can describe those first few days, maybe even months. I couldn’t quite catch my breath. My brother was tough. He stared his cancer down with a fierceness I’ve rarely seen in him. Just like you, he said, “This isn’t MY death sentence. I have a whole lot of living to do.” He kept that fighting spirit through everything. Honestly it was his fighting spirit that kept us all going during that time. While we were holding him up in his time of need he was actually holding us up in ours. I guess that is how family works.
Family, friends, church communities, and strangers all prayed for my brother’s healing. We’ve never prayed so intensely and with so much conviction then we did during those first few months of what felt like hell on Earth. My brother went through an intense surgery. His hospital stay began in ICU. As we prayed and he fought, he began to heal. Eventually, he came home from the hospital to live with my parents for a few more months of healing, more fighting, and more praying. He used to proudly say, “I’m kicking cancer ass!”
Two years later, he is back at his job as a chef with the amazing news that there are NO signs of cancer in his body. None. At. All. The doctors are amazed and even baffled. Now that is what I call a miracle. I thank God every day for the blessing that is my tough older brother. So Kristin my words to you are…fight. Fight like you’ve never fought before. Stare down this diagnosis and say, “Not me. Not today. Not tomorrow. I have a whole lot of living to do.” And Kristin, we’ll take care of the praying part. I’ve already lifted you up in prayer today and I will continue to do so until you hear those amazing words, “There are no signs of cancer.”
God bless you and your beautiful family!
Meghan
Thank you for sharing, Meghan. What an inspiring, fabulous, amazing story!!! Miracles DO happen!
Meghan,
This is an amazingly hopeful story . . .as Kristin’s aunt, I draw strength from your family. Thank you for sharing your gift of hope with us!
Terri
Donation done. I lost my mother Dec2010, when I was 56, and it still wasn’t enough time with my beloved mother. Moms are precious, and Kristin needs to be with her babies. God bless!
thank you for being the guiding force for this family. donated just now and will help any other way i can… of course prayers are in the works.
so glad you are able to help this family. we will pray, pray, pray. i have donated via paypal … please let me know if there is anything else you need help with.
What a beautiful thing! Donation made and prayers upon prayers to the amazing Croyle family!
Donation sent, check.
Prayer sent, check.
Story shared on Facebook, check.
How lucky that they found you, and that you’ve been willing and able to create a community that can band together to offer solace and respite to a family like this one. One of the most beautiful things I’ve seen. Thank you.
Awesome. I assume we should share this on our own blogs? You will reach your goal in no time at all, I bet.
Ms. Suburbancorrespondent, Yes Please, do share on your blog — the more the merrier in making this miracle happen! (And what a great name for a blog!).
This is amazing, so utterly happy to donate to such a deserving family.
Beautiful! I donated and am praying.
Donation made in my mom’s memory. She died of pancreatic cancer almost 5 years ago. I despise this disease. Prayers are being sent up from Oklahoma!!
Prayers to Kristin and family. May God put his loving hands to heal you and give you strength.
Done! Enjoy your trip! I look forward to reading about your recovery
Miracles Happen…EVERY DAY, and this amazing Family is due a Miracle!!! They are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The out pouring of love and support from the Community and Monkees takes my breath away!!!
Love it Glennon, I’m a new member to the community and I’ve been waiting all week to find out what wonderful project you were conjuring up. What a great way to share the love and help a family in need. I’ve made my donation this morning and will be sharing this to get some new Monkees on board. Love what you are doing for this family and for the reader’s that you touch through your writing.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever…He is STILL in the miracle business and He WILL heal Kristin! Thank you, God!!!
What a beautiful thing to do! I have made a donation and hope this family has a wonderful time and creates some amazing memories. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
Sending up prayers for this beautiful family! Thank you for giving all of us an opportunity to show them God’s love! Love this community.
Donation made in my brother Randy’s memory. Thank you for allowing us to share in this opportunity. Prayers incoming!
Wow. My heart aches for that family. I really don’t know what else to say. They will be in our prayers!
No mother should ever have to leave her babies. As soon as I can see through this stream of tears I will find that donate button, and pray pray pray for this beautiful family. God bless you and what you inspire others to do.
God bless you for reaching out to them.
And God bless and guide that beautiful mommy through her battle.