Marine's Family Asks For Help

A Marine friend of mine barely home from deployment to Afghanistan asked me to get the word out about an injured Marine friend named Sergeant Kirstie Ennis. She was injured after her helicopter crashed June 23, 2012.

Sergeant Ennis's family started a Indiegogo fundraising page. The goal is to raise $10,000 to help the family visit Sergeant Ennis in San Diego where she is being treated for her injuries.

Her mother writes:

My daughter, Kirstie Ennis, was injured when her helicopter went down while serving in Afghanistan in June 2012. She will be receiving her medical care at the naval hospital in San Diego. Her most serious injuries include facial trauma and a broken talus (which may lead to possible amputation of her left leg from below the knee). Though she will require additional surgeries and therapy (physical, vestibular, and mental health), doctors are optimistic that she will recover with minimal disability—only time will tell. She is a fighter and I feel that regardless of the outcome, she will come out of this a better, stronger individual. On September 4^th, she will undergo a bone graft from hip to jaw. (Contrary to the song, the hip bone can apparently be connected to the jaw bone). My younger daughter, Kaylee, and I will be flying out for the surgery and will remain in San Diego for a week while Kirstie recovers from it. We hope to return to San Diego throughout the next year to be with her for holidays, as well as future surgeries.

My husband, Geoff, is currently working in the northeast; while Kaylee and I are living in Florida. We are in the process of selling our home and have enrolled Kaylee in virtual school, so that we may travel between my husband’s work and Kirstie—to focus on the more important things in life. My husband and I were also Marines; and, all too well, know the feeling of loneliness associated with being far from family. It pains me to think of Kirstie being so far away suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The funding that is raised will go strictly towards the transportation and lodging costs that go above and beyond those covered by other charities.

There is 33 days left of fundraising and only $3,429 left to reach the goal of $10,000. If you can, I encourage you  to give, every little bit helps.

Remember... Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.