A Liver for Russ
Donation protected
Russ' Story
In December 2009, Russ Klegstad and his family moved to Grand Marais for Russ’ new job as Maintenance Supervisor with the Cook County Highway Department. The move from Itasca County was a major one, as it entailed a change for the entire family – Russ, wife Tonya, and sons Norris and Caleb. You see, Tonya provides full-time care for their severely autistic son Caleb, and Norris serves as a relief care provider for Tonya and Russ.
Despite a few hiccups, the transition was fairly smooth, and the family quickly settled into their lives in Grand Marais: Russ at his new job, and Norris, Caleb and Tonya as Cook County residents. Norris’ temporary job eventually led to full-time employment, and he was able to purchase a home. Life began to settle into some semblance of routine.
The Diagnosis
Late in 2012, after months of testing, Russ was diagnosed with a rare liver condition known as NASH. NASH, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is oftentimes called the silent liver disease because many individuals don’t even know they have it and don’t suspect anything because they drink little or no alcohol. The major feature in NASH is fat in the liver, along with inflammation and damage. In individuals such as Russ, where the liver is severely compromised, damage can lead to the life-threatening condition known as decompensated cirrhosis, where a liver transplant is his only hope for survival.
Russ has been on medical leave from his job for over a year now and has been on the active transplant list since November. His and Tonya’s savings are gone so, to limit expenses, they have sold their home and will be moving in with Norris. Live donors are being tested, and we are hopeful that a match will be found soon.
How You Can Help
The spirit and strength of this family is incredible. Russ has been sick for over four years and worked full-time until his condition (and repeated hospitalizations) made it impossible. Tonya cares for their son and now Russ full-time. Norris is taking in his parents and brother without hesitation and, if you ask him how Russ is doing, he always answers with a calm “Dad’s doing great.”
But Russ isn’t doing great, and the financial stress only exacerbates the situation. Russ must travel frequently to Mayo Clinic, and already the travel expense portion of his health insurance coverage is exhausted. Further, because he cannot make these trips alone, Norris must often take time off work so that Tonya can accompany him without disrupting Caleb’s schedule. And then there’s the cost of medications, hospital stays and now an impending transplant and the associated costs of living in Rochester full-time for two months or more.
Please consider helping the Klegstads as they transition through this difficult time. Donations may be made via this page or sent to a special account set up for Russ at North Shore Federal Credit Union, PO Box 460, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
Thank you, and God bless.
In December 2009, Russ Klegstad and his family moved to Grand Marais for Russ’ new job as Maintenance Supervisor with the Cook County Highway Department. The move from Itasca County was a major one, as it entailed a change for the entire family – Russ, wife Tonya, and sons Norris and Caleb. You see, Tonya provides full-time care for their severely autistic son Caleb, and Norris serves as a relief care provider for Tonya and Russ.
Despite a few hiccups, the transition was fairly smooth, and the family quickly settled into their lives in Grand Marais: Russ at his new job, and Norris, Caleb and Tonya as Cook County residents. Norris’ temporary job eventually led to full-time employment, and he was able to purchase a home. Life began to settle into some semblance of routine.
The Diagnosis
Late in 2012, after months of testing, Russ was diagnosed with a rare liver condition known as NASH. NASH, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is oftentimes called the silent liver disease because many individuals don’t even know they have it and don’t suspect anything because they drink little or no alcohol. The major feature in NASH is fat in the liver, along with inflammation and damage. In individuals such as Russ, where the liver is severely compromised, damage can lead to the life-threatening condition known as decompensated cirrhosis, where a liver transplant is his only hope for survival.
Russ has been on medical leave from his job for over a year now and has been on the active transplant list since November. His and Tonya’s savings are gone so, to limit expenses, they have sold their home and will be moving in with Norris. Live donors are being tested, and we are hopeful that a match will be found soon.
How You Can Help
The spirit and strength of this family is incredible. Russ has been sick for over four years and worked full-time until his condition (and repeated hospitalizations) made it impossible. Tonya cares for their son and now Russ full-time. Norris is taking in his parents and brother without hesitation and, if you ask him how Russ is doing, he always answers with a calm “Dad’s doing great.”
But Russ isn’t doing great, and the financial stress only exacerbates the situation. Russ must travel frequently to Mayo Clinic, and already the travel expense portion of his health insurance coverage is exhausted. Further, because he cannot make these trips alone, Norris must often take time off work so that Tonya can accompany him without disrupting Caleb’s schedule. And then there’s the cost of medications, hospital stays and now an impending transplant and the associated costs of living in Rochester full-time for two months or more.
Please consider helping the Klegstads as they transition through this difficult time. Donations may be made via this page or sent to a special account set up for Russ at North Shore Federal Credit Union, PO Box 460, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
Thank you, and God bless.
Organiser and beneficiary
Lisa Sorlie
Organiser
Grand Marais, MN
Russell Klegstad
Beneficiary