Kristen Reed

11/22/1972 – 06/16/2013

Kristen passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16th after a 6-year battle with breast cancer. Having been born with cerebral palsy, Kristen had been a fighter all her life and pursued life with gusto. Kristen taught us that life is to be lived with joy and dignity, that falling down only means standing up again, and that one must always keep going. Kristen did not want to be the poster child for anything. She just wanted to be herself and what a wonderful self that was.

Though Kristen faced many challenges throughout her life, they did not define her. She was born with the kind of courage, hope and kindness that drew people towards her. She was deeply loved by so many thanks to her magic with children, her adventurous spirit, her wisdom and a laughter which resonated throughout her body.

Kristen was born and raised in Goleta, CA. She attended Westmont College and received a graduate degree from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA. Kristen spent her life dedicated to helping children and worked at Girls, Inc. of Carpinteria, Isla Vista Youth Project and Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.

Kristen is survived by her parents, Jolene and Ric, her brother Jeff and his wife Elisa and Kristen’s cherished nephew Nicholas and niece Penny.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22 at 2 pm at 5387 Parejo Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 9311. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria or the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara.