Transplant time for Collin & Kateri

Kateri and Collin go in for the kidney transplant June 7th...  Time is short... Please consider assisting the family with funds needed while Kateri and Collin recover.

"Now, here’s a little story all about how
my life got flip-turned upside down,
And I’d like to take a minute,
just sit right there,
I’ll tell you how I became the prince and my Mama’s little heir.

God made me awesome- to Him be praised
And I’ve been living pretty well, most of my days,
Swimmin’, dancin’, relaxin’ all cool-
But my body doesn’t like to live by the rules.

Well a couple of tests say I'm not doin’ so good,
My kidneys are in trouble and won’t process my food.
Puttin' up one good fight and we got a little scared,
But the docs have a kidney, a match and a prayer.
 
I whispered for my Mama – and when the time came near-
“Our blood tests say ‘match’”, she whispered back in my ear.
If anything I could say that this match was rare,
But I thought, ‘Nah, forget it’, God knew it was there.

All prepped up at the hospital, she won’t hesitate,
And I yelled to my family – "Love you, see you later’" 
I looked at my Mama,
More than a kiss we share, 
As I sit on the throne as my Momma’s kidney heir."
             -Written by Collin's Mama, Kateri
****************************************

Time is short- Kateri and Collin go in for the kidney transplant June 7th...  

I'm Denise-  a friend of the family of Kateri Solberg.  
Kateri's son, Collin has been an inspiration since before birth, defying the odds of surviving inside his Mommy's womb with a urinary tract birth defect, lung disease, cysts in his kidneys and several "close calls".                        

As Collin grew up he developed a feeding disorder and autism and began learning about his environment in a very different way - absorbing all the overwhelming stimuli around him, at the same time as dealing with the Kidney disease within him; A good portion of his time, Collin feels "yucky" from his progressing kidney disease but remains joyful, pouring out love to his family members.


Collin has grown to become a handsome "prince" and an inspiring 11-year-old, with parents, grandparents and 4 little sisters who adore him, but he is now in the critical stage of kidney disease.

  Although he doesn't always let on how much he understands, Collin makes time to share kisses, hugs, smiles... and his dance card.  Collin loves his sisters, superheroes, sledding, making faces, creating selfies, playing drums, bike-riding, kite-flying, swinging, playing baseball, bowling, reading books, going for an afternoon stroll, watching nature, singing, playing with his puppy and eating dinner at the table with his family.


Collin's parents have been able to use caution with his diet to keep his kidneys functioning enough to keep him strong and healthy.  Until now, Collin was able to master this rigid diet and has avoided the inevitable kidney transplant. 

Operating on about 20% of one kidney most of his life, Collin has now reached the point in which his body requires more; This growing  boy has outgrown his one working kidney.

Collin's mom, Kateri, was tested when Collin was 3, to determine if she was a match. Testing confirmed God's certain plan for her "spare" kidney. The kidney has been safely waiting in the incubator (mom) for 8 years, but now the time has come- Collin's transplant will take place in Pittsburgh, PA, June 7th, and raising funds prior to this date will be vital.

Kateri and Christopher have been saving sick time and PTO, however it will only cover a small fraction of the time she will need to take off of work in order to donate her kidney for her little prince.  Collin's parents are all on board with whatever Collin needs, however travel, lodging and food will be an extra undertaking as Kateri will be out of work for up to two months and household bills will still add up.  Christopher (and Kateri's other family members) have very limited paid time off of work, yet will need to assist in the recoveries of both Collin and Kateri. 

Kateri (and Christopher and Collin) often give God thanks for the friends and family He has surrounded them with, and the tremendous amount of love, prayer and support extended to the family over the last several years.  Please consider assisting Kateri's family to make ends meet this summer, it would bless them while she takes care of the "little heir" and heals over the summer.


Thanks- Denise Smith