SERVPRO GRAND JUNCTION PEOPLE YOU CAN COUNT ON

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Grand Junction was happy to be part of this wonderful miracle. July 2016

GRAND JUNCTION, CO

What would you do with a check for $20,000? For some people, that would be a mortgage on a house or a new car, but for the Crossley family, that money was a kidney transplant. At the age of four, now 12-year-old Cailee Crossley was diagnosed with FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome; a rare form of kidney disease would that has left her unresponsive to any treatments.

 "We decided back when she was diagnosed that this was something we would not allow it to define who she is as a person. Yes, it's a part of her physical being, but it doesn't define who she is; that she’s not sick, that it's just something that's happening in her body and it’s not her personality," says Cailee's mother, Christy. Since Cailee's diagnosis the Crossley's have tried a multitude of treatments, but her condition has continued to worsen over the years, leaving her now in renal failure.
Cailee used her time in the hospital as inspiration to start, Project Hospital Happiness. With help from her mother, Cailee has materialized the costumes of the three super hero's she created, to share with other children at the children’s hospital. Princess Joy, is represented in costume with crowns and tutus, serving as a reminder to keep joy in your life. Captain Strong, gives capes and masks to the boys to help them stay tough. The newest addition, Captain Sweet Lemonade, is a super hero for the girls, "when life gives you lemons you make lemonade," says Cailee.

What Cailee's super-sized heart is what made her this month’s People You Can Count On, but the $500 check presentation was only the beginning. After sharing Cailee's story, SERVPRO of Grand Junction Owner Lonnie Behunin was able to reach out to 49 other businesses across the Western Slope that was willing to match SERVPRO's donation to help raise the  $20,500 needed for her transplant.  The money is the exact amount the Crossley's needed to pay for the operation and six week’s recovery time for Cailee.

But the real surprise that day was found within Cailee's father, Blake, "we found out tonight that Blake's a match," said Christy.

SERVPRO of Grand Junction is looking for Silent Angel in town who selflessly gives of their own time or resources to give back to the community.  To nominate this special person you can go to http://krextv.com/counton/buted.