Kimberly\'s Kause - Kim Harkness Funeral Services and Burial

Kimberly was born with Spina Bifida in 1985. When she was born, the nerves in her back where on the exterior of her body in a sac attached to her lower back. Kim had many many surgeries throughout her life and a couple more in the last few years. She was limited to a wheel chair and had little to no feeling in her legs. Kim unexpectedly passed away on February 25, 2011 at the age of 25. Despite everything she went through in her short life, she never complained. She was intelligent and kind and funny and loved. 

Kim had been experiencing back pain and her parents took her to a hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Everyone thought that she might have a urinary tract infection, which is common when you do not have feeling in your lower extremities. The doctors made her comfortable and they ran a series of tests. Her breathing had become shallow so they put tubes down her throat to help her breath. Her parents stayed with her all day and were told to go home and get some rest. The doctors gave Kim medicine to induce sleep. The next morning, Kim did not wake up. After administering an MRI, it was determined that she had no brain activity.

Even in death, Kim continued to give to others. The doctors were able to keep her organs viable and Kim was able to donate both kidneys, her pancreas, her liver and her heart. \"Gift of Life\" is still working to place her intestines and her lungs. She changed at least 5 peoples lives by donating her organs. She influenced minimally 5 different families and an uncountable number of extended family members and friends. 

Kim\'s death was unexpected. Her family does not have the means to pay for her funeral and burial expenses. Please help her family by donating what you can.

Thank you.