Krystal Lynne Shipley, a former resident of Forest Grove, has been named as one of 20 semifinalists in Walmart's Mom of the Year contest.
The single mom of three young children, battles daily with the difficulties of caring for her youngest, Ayzac Wilson, as he goes through final life stages with a rare genetic disease, RMND1 mitochondrial disease.
Ayzac is the only known living child with the terminal illness, which is expected to end his life within the next 12 months.
While trying to maintain a normal life for her other two children, Shipley also attends nursing school, inspired by her ailing son. In addition, she is doing a documentary and interviews for magazines to spread awareness of rare diseases.
Shipley was chosen from among thousands of nominations and if declared the winner, will get $100,000 for the charity of her choice and $10,000 for herself. She has chosen Canuck Place Children's Hospice in Vancouver as her intended recipient.
Currently voting is underway on the Internet for the top 8 finalists, who will each win a minimum of $10,000 for their charity and $10,000 for themselves. Voting takes place until Aug. 1, 2013 at www.momoftheyear.ca where folks can also read Shipley's heart-wrenching story.
The candidate with the most votes automatically earns a spot in the top 8, and the other seven will be chosen by a selection committee from among the remaining 19 semifinalists. Only one vote is allowed per person and a Facebook account is necessary.
The eight finalists will be announced the week of Aug. 6 and the winner will be announced on the weekend of Oct. 5-7.
Shipley is currently in the top 3 of the vote count.