Chrissy Elder

I’m a 32 year old that is still figuring out who I am every single day. Bios are always a hard one for me. 

I was born and raised in Blowing Rock, NC. My parents and siblings are the kindest humans you will ever meet. I was raised on “Jesus will love you no matter where you are and where you go.” I was taught to spread my wings and try to fly and no matter what my nest will always be there for a safe return. 

I was the typical small town girl. Friday nights where I’m from was trucks,  fields, and bonfires. From a young age I realized my compassion and empathy for others, including animals, impacted me ways others didn’t understand. I would see homeless and offer them our home in the first sentence. 

Looking back, I never saw the world as dark. In my teen years I lost touch of who I was and where I wanted to go. I started drinking a lot, partying constantly. Self-doubt filled my life. I found peace in my own violence daily. 

I went from most likely to be successful to the hometown mess up filled with “bless her heart” whispers.  I ended up pregnant at 17 and had my daughter at 18. My faith was shaken and in 10 little fingers and toes I found my purpose. 

My mom and dad welcomed me with open arms. They helped me become the mom I could be proud of. My relationship with God came back to where I was at peace in his love and grace. 

My life was at its best. I was working full time and finishing college. Waking up all night for bottles and cuddles while writing exams. Then it all changed again. I became really sick. Unexplainable sick. My heart rate always felt fast like butterflies, but this was different. I would stand and the room would spin. I would try to read and the words became a blur. My body felt like it had nothing left after a few hours of work. I wanted to play with my daughter but would fall over regularly. 

I was seen in Charlotte and diagnosed with dysauotonomia. They later referred me to Duke for treatment. At Duke I had 2 ablations and a loop monitor implanted in my chest. That loop monitor they put in for data did end up saving my life, but it almost ended it as well. 

My doctor at Duke kept saying this is as good as you will get. He told me my future was sickness. He made me feel like I was a complete burden and my case was worthless. He put the monitor in for data collection but his comments that day drove me to suicidal thoughts. I left and traveled back to Charlotte. I started thinking if this is as good as it gets how is this fair for my daughter? For my family? How can I put them through this day in and day out?

I started making my exit plan. Before I could follow out on the plans I collapsed and turned blue. My lips and hands went numb. I was taken to the hospital and the implant that  made me want to end my life actually saved me. It showed my heart was pausing. Not a little- but pausing 26 seconds! 

I needed a pacemaker. I was in Charlotte, NC so they asked if I was willing to meet a new doctor that could help me get a pacemaker. When I met him, it all changed . He was not only willing to take my case but he was passionate about it. He told me my life was going to be fulfilling he just needed time. I remember believing him and thinking what if it could all be different? He worked so hard on my case and he’s never given up. I’ve had 10+ procedures on my heart and 2 pacemakers. 

My journey hasn’t been an easy one but it’s been an amazing life so far. It took someone else saying let’s find purpose in this pain. I never realized it but that was when my rescuer heart was born. I was a rescue. It took extra work, the unknown was there but I knew there was to be a rainbow after the storm. My case was hell but it made a huge impact because someone took a chance on me. My future was restored because someone believed in the future I could have if the work was put in. My rescue mentality was born. My health has never been perfect and never will be, but I still am fulfilled. I have built an amazing family. Paul and I have 4 beautiful children together. We adopted 3 of our babies. Being a mom is my favorite thing I’ve ever experienced. 

I have found a career I am proud of. I have worked in property management for the past 12 years. I climbed to a place in my career I never thought possible. I’ve founded 2 non-profits. One is the reason you're here, Forgotten, Now Family Rescue. I founded our program with my best friend Emily. We operate our rescue side by side. Neither of us get paid a cent but it’s our passion. I’m proud to be the rescue they call when the animals are thought of as forgotten or too sick. They aren’t to me. I have been to hell and walked back. Because of my own history, I know the things possible when you step back and find the purpose in the pain. 

Our rescue has spread awareness, kindness, and love to millions by social media. We have saved thousands of animals. Forgotten, Now Family Rescue has become a family that rallies around those who need it most. Often times it is us humans who need the animals and our rescue family. I’ve seen lives changed in amazing ways. So who am I? I’m the human here trying to remind people life is so short and uncertain. It’s fragile. It’s worth it. 

There is always light that can come from darkness. I’m raising tiny humans to be kind and love BIG! I’m loving animals that were forgotten. Finding restoration with those who need it. I haven’t figured out most things in life but I have figured out I love trying. I love being here finding the good in this world.