In 2014, at the age of 38, Khrisstina's world was forever changed when a stroke caused her to lose her sight. The following two years were a tremendous struggle, marked by a profound loss of direction and the challenge of navigating life without sight. In 2016, she took a pivotal step by attending CNIB Lake Joe, a decision that would redefine her perspective on her ‘second life’ after losing her sight.
“At camp Joe, the people are pretty amazing there,” Khrisstina remembers. “I learned a lot from them the first few years I was there. I was really lost, but they taught me that your life isn't over just because you can't see, there's so many amazing experiences you can still have.”
She learned about CNIB Lake joe through her Independent Living Skills worker, and attending was the best decision she ever made.
“Coming back from my first visit to camp was the first time my dad saw me smile since I lost my vision,” explains Khrisstina.
Khrisstina found a supportive community that evolved into a second family. Daily conversations with friends from the camp, some of whom have even started their own families since meeting at camp, highlights the incredible relationships that are made at CNIB Lake Joe every single year.
And one of those friendships turned into a romance! Khrisstina is engaged to be married to Mike who she met at CNIB Lake Joe in 2017. The wedding is planned for September 2024.
The camp, once an unfamiliar place, has become an indispensable annual experience for Khrisstina, a place where friendships blossom, families form, and personal resilience is celebrated. Khrisstina now works hard to ensure others have a similar positive experience.
Khrisstina is a long-time Lion with the North Newmarket Lions Club where she started their first Accessibility committee for District A-16 in 2017/2018. Based on this success, she was asked to start an Accessibility committee for Multiple District “A” which covers 10 Districts in Ontario and 5 Lions Clubs in Quebec.
“I'm working to bring awareness to people living with challenges whether it's with hearing, vision or mobility,” declares Khrisstina.
Earlier this year, Khrisstina was asked to join the Lions Multiple District “A”/ CNIB committee to assist as a leadership volunteer in achieving common goals through fundraising initiatives, volunteer, and promotional opportunities.
“This was such a huge honour for me being that I have been a guest at CNIB Lake Joe and a Lion for many years,” she says. “Being able to combine the two was a once in a lifetime for me!”
As an active Lion and Knight of the Blind, Khrisstina officially launched the “Canada True Vision Cyber Club Branch” on August 30, 2023.
“This new Lions Club is comprised primarily of members who are visually impaired and blind, though everyone is welcome,” explains Khrisstina. “Our Lions Club Motto is ‘we serve side by side.’ We welcome new members to help us improve the lives of people with low vision.”
Many CNIB Lake Joe guests are now members of this cyber service club.
When asked what her biggest lesson has been from attending CNIB Lake Joe, she replies, “Life can still be fun, even if you’re blind.”