Local

Matthews community rallies to help triple-amputee mom of 5

MATTHEWS — More than 700 people participated in a race and rally Saturday to raise money for Matthews mom Kristan Seaford, a 38-year-old fitness instructor and marathoner stricken by illness that resulted in multiple amputations.

The event called See Kristan Run reflects her goal to run again one day on prosthetic legs.

It began with a 5k race this morning, and finished with a rally and remarks from Seaford and her family.

"At the end of the race everyone was cheering and cheering, which was so wonderful. Everyone was cheering me on," Seaford said.

Seaford survived severe complications from the flu last November, but a loss of blood flow during treatment resulted in the amputation of both hands, her left foot and the toes and heel of her right foot. She spent 95 days in the hospital before returning home to her husband and five children.

"I've actually been all around Charlotte doing fundraising races for lots of causes, and today it's come full circle; and today the cause is for my family," Seaford said.

Supporters have rallied to help with everything from carpooling to child care to Christmas. The Seaford family still faces significant medical, home care and child care expenses, as well as the cost of multiple prosthetic limbs.

The campaign aims to raise at least $200,000 to offset expenses.

To learn more about her campaign or to donate, click here.