Motivational Mom of the Month - Krissie Wisniewski

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Motivational Mom of the Month - Krissie Wisniewski

It's time to highlight another amazing mom in Our Village. Meet your February Motivational Mom of the Month - Krissie Wisniewski!

How did you find FIT4MOM Richmond and how long have you been a part of our village?

I happened upon FIT4MOM at one of their workouts one day! I was visiting the pumpkin patch with my family and saw a bunch of moms and strollers walking by who all looked like so much fun - and I happened to ask Natalie herself “Hey! What is this fun group of moms? Are you with FIT4MOM??” And yes, yes she was. She invited me to join for a class and got me signed up right then and there! I joined just about 3 months ago!

What do you love most about being part of this community?

Absolutely the moms. It is the only thing I have found that gladly and easily welcomes my girls while also giving me a chance to do something for myself to keep my body and mind healthy. It’s social, it’s physical, it’s FUN! Everyone is so supportive and immediately welcomed me in!

Who are you a mom to?

I am a mom to two beautiful girls- Libi (3) and Chloe (almost 2).

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

Finding joy in the little things! The way that their faces light up when we experience new things, or watching them learn a new skill. They find the most joy out of things like pretending to serve my husband and I tea, or changing their baby doll for the 75th time that day, and ALL the random dance parties! I love it!

What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where all your food and water needs were taken care of?

My Kindle & a blanket- I love to read and be cozy, even when its hot out!!

How did becoming a mother change you?

It humbled me…! I used to be a teacher so I thought I knew all about kids- news flash… I do not! I have learned to lean on others, but in my case, most especially God. My daughter, Libi, was born with a rare disease called Fanconi Anemia (FA). It is a DNA disorder that affects her bone marrow (and therefore blood) especially, but impacts all parts of her body including her size and organs. Libi’s bone marrow doesn’t reproduce cells as rapidly or efficiently as someone who is healthy, making it easier for her to get sick from regular illnesses, but also more serious ones like cancer. There is no cure, and she will likely need a bone marrow transplant in the future to give her body the best chance at fighting illnesses. Due the complexities of FA, even with the transplant, her life will always be at risk and she will continue to have monthly doctor’s appointments to help take care of her. She is a fighter though! We were told that she would not even make it to birth due to heart and brain issues, but both were miraculously healed and she is three years old today and as sassy as ever! She has an incredible story that I am always happy to share, or you can read more about it and keep up with the latest on her medically by following our page on CaringBridge (www.caringbridge.org/visit/babywiz). I also have my sweet Chloe, who is the most cuddly and silly little lady. She helps us focus on things outside of the medical world, and reminds us daily that there is joy to be found in the midst! Watching her learn from Libi is a gift!

If you’d like to learn more about Fanconi Anemia (FA), or are interested in supporting the Fanconi Cancer Foundation (FCF), I’d LOVE if you joined us for our fundraiser! On Friday March 13th at the Hippodrome here in Richmond, we’re having a silent and live auction, with tickets including an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a DJ! All proceeds benefit FCF which funds critical research for Fanconi Anemia, as well as provides resources and support for doctors and families affected by FA. If you cannot make it in person but would still like to support Libi and her friends, there will also be an option to donate without attending. You can stay tuned for tickets and more information on this website:

https://fundraise.fanconi.org/event/toast-to-tomorrow/e736398

If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?

Oof. I think the past. I don’t want to rush my girls growing up, especially Libi due to her medical diagnosis that is life-limiting. The future scares me… I’d relive my college days, falling in love with my husband, and this stage/ beginning of my girls’ lives 1,000 times over though!

How do you practice self-care?

“Fancy” coffees whenever I need a moment or a treat for my day, and hiring a nanny once a week to allow myself a few hours of kid-free time! It’s a gift for me as a stay- at-home mom, and an absolute luxury that I don’t take for granted either.

Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Richmond?

I grew up in Northern VA! My husband, Matt, and I had known we didn’t want to stay in NOVA since neither of our families lived there anymore, so we started visiting cities around the US to see what we liked! Charleston, Nashville, Austin, to name a few. We visited Richmond and absolutely loved it- the perfect balance of what we’d hoped for. That same week, God opened a door for Matt to move here with his job and we went for it! We love it here!

Are you a stay at home mom or do you work outside of the home?

A proud stay at home momma!

What is the last great book or television series you've read/watched?

I really love the Fourth Wing book series!!

How did you meet your partner?

We met at JMU when we volunteered together! We were FrOGs (First yeaR Orientation Guides) who helped get freshmen settled their first few days there. I like to say that he was my “FrOG” turned Prince Charming We’ve been married for 8 years!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher and a mom! I am so lucky to say that I was a teacher for 8 years and now a momma!

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

My girls have flooded my mind with songs from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and Miss Rachel… so I’d pick “Get Back Up Again” from Trolls! Life has dealt us some tough blows but I keep getting back up again and will not stop! Plus it’s catchy!

If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would they do first?

I have literally no idea! My 5 year old self loved puppies, babies, snacks… not much has changed! But my 55- year old self may say “Dang! You look good!” and feel proud in exactly how my body looks and feels today- squishy bits and all!

If we wanted to say hi, which classes can we find you attending?

Anything with a stroller! I’ve mostly attended (and loved) stroller barre and stroller strides on Tuesdays, but I’m excited to start trying Strides 360 and stroller strides on Thursdays due to a schedule change!! Please say hi!!

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Krissie - I hope with all this cold/snowy/icy weather you've been able to snuggle up under a blanket and read ALL the books! And once we're all free from this arctic tundra I'd love to grab a "fancy coffee" with you! Thank you so much for sharing Libi's story with us and more about Fanconi Anemia. Both of your girls are sweet as can be and I'm SO glad you approached me in the Hanover Vegetable Farm parking lot that day!

To our readers - if you have mom that you think should be nominated as our next Mom of the Month be sure to let us know!

- Natalie