Please join us in supporting Kristie & Sommer as they navigate a new path stemming from a difficult health diagnosis. Any little bit helps and we know our supportive community can rally together to help us get Kristie back to the life she loves.
In Kristie’s own words…
Hi friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,
My name is Kristie Bjorklund Davidson, and in April 2025, I received the life-changing news that I have an operable brain tumor in my occipital lobe. As hopeful as we are about the surgery, it comes with enormous emotional, physical, and financial challenges—including the need to take at least 3 months off work for recovery.
A Little About Me
I grew up in Manhattan Beach, California, where the ocean became my first love. That deep love of life and adventure led me through a fulfilling journey—from running a successful computer education business in Los Angeles (1995–2015), to finally jumping headfirst into my dream career in the craft beer industry.
From part-time beginnings in 2010 to full-time passion by 2015, I was lucky enough to work with amazing companies like Sierra Nevada, King Harbor Brewing, Smog City Brewing, and eventually Firestone Walker Brewing, which opened the door to another dream: building a life in Paso Robles with the love of my life, Sommer Abate.
In April 2024, I took another exciting leap—joining the wine industry as Team Lead at Halter Ranch Winery. Surrounded by incredible coworkers and an inspiring community, it felt like life was exactly where it was meant to be.
Then Everything Changed
On February 18, 2025, I suffered a seizure at work. Over the following months, I experienced two more, leading to a series of tests that revealed a golf ball-sized tumor in the back of my head.
The brilliant Dr. Isaac Yang at UCLA has agreed to take on my case. While we remain optimistic, we still don’t know whether the tumor is benign or malignant, and recovery will be intense.
Why I Need Your Help
Between ambulance rides, a life flight helicopter ride, multiple tests, and consultations, medical bills have already reached nearly $30,000, and are still climbing.
On top of this, I’ll be out of work for several months. I’ve always been independent and hardworking, but this is a mountain I can’t climb alone.
Any contribution—no matter how big or small—will go toward:
• Hospital and surgical costs
• Neurological care and follow-ups
• Travel expenses to UCLA
• Recovery needs (therapy, medication, living expenses)
• Covering lost income while I heal
From the Bottom of My Heart
I know times are hard for many, and asking for help isn’t easy. But I believe in community, in the kindness of others, and in the power of a support network to help someone rise again.
Thank you for reading, donating, or sharing this with others. Every act of support means the world.
With love and gratitude,
Kristie Bjorklund Davidson