DeFuniak Springs, FL (November 20, 2014) – Team members of the Walton County Tax Collector and Sheriff’s Offices have teamed up to rally the community in raising funds to purchase and install a wheelchair lift for Krystal Newhouse, the Walton County teen who battled cancer earlier this year and suffered brain damage during her fight.

“This is a teen who started off her day in March healthy and happy and in matter of hours was fighting for her life, “ said Robin Braddam, team member at the Walton County Tax Collector’s Office. “While her battle with cancer has been won, it has taken a toll on her body and changed life for Krystal’s family. We want to help make their day-to-day life better by helping make transporting Krystal to doctor appointments and therapy easier.”

The Tax Collector’s Office learned of the need when Krystal’s parents brought her into the office to get her identification card. Team members set about trying to get a lift donated, but to no avail. The setback, however, didn’t deter the team who turned to another agency always looking for an opportunity to give back.

“At one point we thought we had a lift donated and I reached out to the Sheriff’s Office to see if they might have some team members willing to donate their time and skills to install it,” said Chief Deputy Tax Collector Cory Godwin. “While the lift wouldn’t accommodate the vehicle, the Sheriff’s Office still wanted to lend their support to the cause.”

The cost of the lift and installation is $2,500. Community members wishing to donate to the cause can drop off their donation at the Tax Collector or Sheriff’s Offices, or First National Bank & Trust. Checks should be made payable to the Krystal Newhouse Fund.