My name is Karen Kowalski. My intention in starting this gofundme is to raise money for my precious daughter, Kelsey. At the age of 11, Kelsey was diagnosed withType 1 Diabetes, also known as Juvenile Onset Diabetes and Insulin Dependent Diabetes. Her pancreas produces no insulin. This terrible disease has impacted Kelsey's health, her livelyhood, and other aspects of her life.
Kelsey's diabetes has contributed to her gastroparesis(paralysis of the stomach muscle), retinopathy (a disease of the eye that impairs her vision her eyesight in which she gets injections in her eyes), and kidney disease. The disease has been very brutal to Kelsey's kidney function. Kelsey is now in the 4th stage of kidney disease and her kidneys are only functioning at a rate of about 15%. As a result, her nephrologist is now recommending a simutaneous kidney/panceas transplant. Kelsey has been evaluated at the University of Wisconsin- Madison's transplant team and has been deemed a good candidate for the transplant. With these new organs, Kelsey will be able to live a more normal, healthy, productive life and no longer have to deal with the consequences of diabetes. For me, I will get to watch my "baby" live a healthy life and give me some grandbabies.
This transplant comes with a large "bill". First and foremost, the cost to the donor's family is huge. Someone lost their loved one and is grieving but they were generous to ensure that their organs will live on in another.
Secondly, there are out of pocket medical bills for a surgery that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are housing and other expenses for family members due to the surgery taking place out of state. Having never been in this situation before, it is unknown what other expenses will be acrued. Kelsey also is not currently working but has to pay her bills regardless of her health.
Due to Kelsey's "popular" blood type, her surgery could happen in 2-3 months from now. This is fabulous, but it puts a rush on things.
For any financial donation you can make, we will be forever grateful. If you're not in that position , please keep Kelsey in thoughts and prayers.
Kelsey's diabetes has contributed to her gastroparesis(paralysis of the stomach muscle), retinopathy (a disease of the eye that impairs her vision her eyesight in which she gets injections in her eyes), and kidney disease. The disease has been very brutal to Kelsey's kidney function. Kelsey is now in the 4th stage of kidney disease and her kidneys are only functioning at a rate of about 15%. As a result, her nephrologist is now recommending a simutaneous kidney/panceas transplant. Kelsey has been evaluated at the University of Wisconsin- Madison's transplant team and has been deemed a good candidate for the transplant. With these new organs, Kelsey will be able to live a more normal, healthy, productive life and no longer have to deal with the consequences of diabetes. For me, I will get to watch my "baby" live a healthy life and give me some grandbabies.
This transplant comes with a large "bill". First and foremost, the cost to the donor's family is huge. Someone lost their loved one and is grieving but they were generous to ensure that their organs will live on in another.
Secondly, there are out of pocket medical bills for a surgery that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are housing and other expenses for family members due to the surgery taking place out of state. Having never been in this situation before, it is unknown what other expenses will be acrued. Kelsey also is not currently working but has to pay her bills regardless of her health.
Due to Kelsey's "popular" blood type, her surgery could happen in 2-3 months from now. This is fabulous, but it puts a rush on things.
For any financial donation you can make, we will be forever grateful. If you're not in that position , please keep Kelsey in thoughts and prayers.
Organiser and beneficiary
Karen Kowalski
Organiser
Crystal Lake, IL
Kelsey Kowalski
Beneficiary