Faith, family help Cloquet woman soldier through nerve disorder

Crysta Reeves is a woman on the go. In addition to being a wife and mom of three, she is a business owner and a pastor. She is also deeply committed to her volunteer and civic duties.

A good challenge has always caused Reeves to flourish.

“Growing up in a military family, you are always adapting,” she said. “Thankfully, I thrive on both challenges and change.”

Reeves was certainly confronted with an abundance of both when, three years ago, she was diagnosed with atypical trigeminal neuralgia. Often referred to as the “suicide disease” due to its excruciating and unrelenting nerve pain, this diagnosis has changed her life. Yet, Reeves soldiers on, putting one foot in front of the other, providing hope to many.

For her courage and resolve, Reeves is the 2019 recipient of the

Many moves

Reeves’ dad served in the Army, while her mom stayed at home, eventually becoming a childbirth instructor. The family moved around a lot, and Reeves and her brother Samuel experienced life in Germany, Virginia, Washington, D.C., England, and more. “Pick a place, and I’ve lived there,” she said.

She met her husband, Jason Reeves, while in high school in England, where their military families were stationed at the time. Reeves and her husband attended Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, where they focused on theology.

Call to serve

With family ties in Minnesota, the couple relocated to Cloquet after graduation, and became involved in New Life Community Church in Carlton, where Reeves’ great-uncle, Eldon Gaylen, served as pastor. They first served as youth pastors for a time. Upon Gaylen’s retirement, the Reeveses became co-pastors of this nondenominational Christian church, which serves 50-60 families.

PHOTO BY DAVID BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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13; Liam, 9; and Garrett, 7. Their children attend school in Esko, where their mother volunteers as the co-chair of the Partners-in-Education (PIE) committee.

Businesses

The couple also own two Pack & Mail Plus stores, in West Duluth and Cloquet, where they employ five people. They purchased the Duluth location in 2010, and the Cloquet location in 2006.

The businesses handle shipping, large format printing, faxing, printing, copying and gift wrapping. The Reeves children are featured in the annual Pack & Mail TV commercials around Christmas, when they sing the lyrics “Oh Pack & Mail” to the tune of “Oh Tannenbaum.”

Reeves also started Northland Cheer Heads, a small business which prints large images of people’s faces, and mounts them on a stick. These signs are often used to encourage an athlete during a sporting event. They are also brought out for parades, or used as a way to include an absent military family member in family gatherings. Jason Reeves also works full-time job at Compass Minerals.

Life is certainly busy for the family. “My house looks like I’m losing a game of Jumanji,” Crysta Reeves said with a laugh.

Life can change in a snap

Three years ago, Reeves began feeling a throbbing, burning sensation in her teeth, which pain medicine wouldn’t touch. After visiting four dentists, who confirmed that her teeth were fine, she was referred to a neurologist, where she was diagnosed as having atypical trigeminal neuralgia.

The enormously painful disease, which currently doesn’t have a cure, is thought to be initially triggered by

Continued on page 14 dental procedures or facial trauma. The illness begins when the trigeminal nerve, which affects the face, neck, jaw and ear, is activated and continues to flare. Those afflicted with this condition often say it feels like electric shocks stabbing their face. Many of its sufferers are drawn to extreme measures, such as suicide, as it is simply debilitating.

Reeves relies on her faith to get her through the toughest days. “God will use it for good somehow,” she said. “Maybe by building others up, giving me a better understanding, and showing people they aren’t alone.”

Reeves shared that the illness has taught her a lot, and said, “I didn’t know much about chronic conditions before this. It has given me a much greater compassion for others.”

Although she experiences some degree of pain daily, Reeves has found a combination of medications, along with strategically placed Botox treatments, that help a bit. “If the Botox also helps my wrinkles, then I guess that’s a silver lining,” she said with a laugh. Reeves is currently enrolled in a research study at the University of Minnesota, which is actively seeking a cure.

Nomination

Reeves was nominated for the Spirit Award by four people: her husband, Jason Reeves; Karen Pettyjohn, a friend and member of the New Life congregation; Joy Amireault, a friend; and Erin Powers, another friend and fellow member of the PIE group. Together, they said, “Crysta is a marvel. She unselfishly gives all of herself, while dealing with trigeminal neuralgia, an unforgivingly painful chronic illness. She has a gift for guidance, she listens without judgment, and helps those who come to her (to) find their own way to navigate life’s many challenges. We should all aspire to see the good in everyone and every situation like Crysta does.”

Of the award, Reeves said, “It’s incredibly humbling that someone would see something in me to nominate me for this award. The other nominees were also very deserving. It’s an incredible honor.”

Reeves encourages others who are suffering with a chronic illness to keep fighting. “Remember that you’re not alone,” she said. “God sometimes gives us more than we can handle, so we’re required to reach out to others.” D

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Mentor Award