WHO WAS CHRISTINE ERICKSON HUGGARD?

Christine passed away on August 7, 2021 at the age of 53. Approximately nine years earlier, Christine had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, however her symptoms didn’t match the diagnosis. She was later re-diagnosed with Multiple Symptom Atrophy (MSA) and given approximately six months to live. Regretfully, two weeks later, she passed away peacefully in her sleep leaving behind a husband, 2 daughters (29, 13), a son (30), her parents, a brother, a sister and countless friends across the country.

 

Christine loved life and laughed non-stop. Christine’s favorite job was being a mother, she would’ve had 20 children if she could! She doted on her children, even as adults. She made friends across the United States and kept in touch with them over the years. The love and support that has been expressed since her passing is overwhelming. She was the kindest person, she would give to any charity, fundraiser, or person in need. MSA had caused dystonia of her neck, where it was permanently bent, her fingers and toes were curling making it even harder to walk, write, brush her hair, etc. She had been using a walker but, due to the orthostatic hypotension (extreme low blood pressure) which caused her to pass out and fall with little warning, she had moved to a wheelchair in June, 2021. It was common for Christine to have large bruises everywhere, black eye(s), or stitches and we feared a major fall, such as a broken bone which wouldn’t be easy to recover!

 

MSA ravaged her body, but it never destroyed her spirit and she always had a smile for visitors. Disease took Christine’s life far too early, so to honor Christine and continue her legacy of determination, giving, and generosity, her family has created the CEH Foundation. The CEH Foundation will also provide donations to further research on neurological disorders.