On October 15, 2007, my little sister died unexpectedly of a congenital heart defect. Krystal was only 21.

Although a twin, Krystal was technically the youngest of four sisters. She loved children and hoped to spend her life to teaching elementary school. She was a junior education major at Thomas More College. Krystal worked as a clothing associate for Dick’s Sporting
Goods in Florence and was an all-around athlete with a particular talent for fast-pitch softball.

In the end, Krystal’s heart was just tired.

The stress on her heart from finals, work, and everyday living is different from the stress put on her heart from sports and climbing and all the other things she did. Her heart just gave out.

On a family website, close friend Jessica Raney wrote of her passing: “Krystal was such a woman of integrity, loyalty and love.
She really had so much going for her. There was nothing not to love about her. I already miss her so much.”

Even now, many of us are still in shock. Nothing really describes the hole that is left by someone who is so young and vibrant, and gone before her time. In an effort to honor Krystal’s  memory, we have established this scholarship fund. By raising $25000 in 3 years, we can award a scholarship to an elementary education major on a perpetual basis.

I think Krystal would be happy to know that we are helping people like her who love children.

- Michelle