Carina DeGrave (Van Pay) Benefit

At the young age of 23, Carina DeGrave (Van Pay) was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).  PKD is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys, causing your kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time.  Carina will soon be undergoing a kidney transplant at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. 

Every three months for the past 14 years, Carina visits her Nephrologist for checkups, medications and additional kidney testing.   In addition, for the past three years, Carina has been traveling to Rochester, MN every six months for intensive transplant testing.  Carina now patiently waits for her kidney donor.  This surgery will take 10-12 hours, she will stay in the hospital for 10 days and continue her recovery for 6 weeks in housing in Rochester, MN.  The doctors have shared that it will take a minimum of 12 months for a full recovery.

Carina is married to Brian DeGrave and has two children, son Cayden & daughter Brianna.  Carina grew up in Luxemburg, WI and is the daughter of Le Roy & Bonnie Van pay.

A group of friends and family are sponsoring a benefit for Carina to help provide the financial and moral support she needs.