Help Kristin D’Ortone Rebuild After Tragic Loss

Hello everyone,

My name is Steph, and I'm reaching out with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit. After 14 years of love, commitment, and building a life together, my sister’s fiancé lost his life.

My sister, Kristin D’Ortone and her fiancé, Arty Erle, had been together for 14 years, were engaged, and planning for their future when Arty was presented with an amazing opportunity to extend his life expectancy. You see, Arty was dealt a tough hand in that he had and beat colon cancer, had an autoimmune disease, and needed not one, but two liver transplants. Arty had a liver transplant 7 years ago that was successful, but like with any major surgery/transplant, life expectancy is always the question on the table. The first transplant lasted him 7 amazing years, then in July 2024, he was presented with another chance to extend his time with us.

While it was a wonderful opportunity, it unfortunately took an unexpected turn. Following the transplant, Arty spent 8 weeks in the ICU, my sister by his side every moment, and he fought hard to hang on. Sadly, his battle ended on August 27th, and he left this world, leaving behind a beloved fiancé, daughter, step-children, two dogs, and an abundance of family and friends who cared deeply for him.

It has been a devastating loss, and my sister is mourning and grieving for her love of 14 years. In addition to processing this huge loss, Kristin is faced with an unfortunate financial situation. She was left with no funds and a mountain of challenges to face on her own. Upon his death, the household income was cut in half, and Kristin is fighting tooth and nail to get her finances in order to continue to uphold her home and support her two children.

The funds raised will help my sister get to a more secure financial state during a time of uncertainty, cover essential living expenses, and will allow her to start planning for a future that, while different than she imagined, is still full of hope and possibilities.

Your support, whether it's through donations, sharing this campaign, or even words of encouragement, means the world to our family during this challenging time.

I am deeply grateful for any support you can offer and ask that you keep my sister and all of Arty’s loved ones in your prayers.

With gratitude,

Steph Hedrick