Monday, August 20, 2012

R.I.P. Christy


 We lost Christy last week. Just writing that feels like a punch to the gut. The photo shows her in her element, with her beloved Ivan. Longtime AMLV+ readers might remember my extolling the virtues of this amazing woman. Christine Gustafson, M.D., has kept me and thousands of others well through acute and chronic illness. Christy started in Internal Medicine and trained with Dr. Andrew Weil (yes, you've seen him on Oprah) in Integrative Medicine. She has received many additional degrees and certifications through the years to complement her skills. Christy's care has kept me well and able-bodied since 2005, and without the compromise to quality of life that mainstream treatments cause.

Christy stepped in when my precious mother passed in March and offered me a lifeline -- a job. It was a chance to be a part of something wonderful, something different and good, something in which I believe. Working with Christy and her team gave me pockets of respite during the worst parts of my grief, and showed me how good it feels to help others in need.

Dr. Gustafson passed unexpectedly a week ago. Our staff is reeling and unsure of the future of the practice. Christy was brilliant, a forward-thinker with impeccable instincts. She was selfless and creative. She was in touch with something bigger. She was my healer and inspiration. She was my dear friend. 

5 comments:

  1. i'm so sorry about your loss. She sounds like an amazing, amazing woman that helped a lot of people. sending hugs, kind thoughts and prayers.

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  2. I am so sorry, Cheryl. She was clearly a wonderful healer who inspired great things in others. Sending you a big hug. ♥

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  3. So sorry to hear about your loss. It must be devastating to a lot of people to lose someone who helped so many. My thoughts are with you.

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