Help Support Kate's Road to Recovery

On December 17, 2020, our good friend Kate Kremer checked into the hospital for the removal of a grapefruit-sized fibroid that also necessitated a total hysterectomy. Sadly, the surgery did not go as planned. When Kate woke up in recovery, her surgeon informed her there had been a complication - Kate’s bladder had been cut.

 

Kate was told not to worry as a catheter would be put in place, allowing her bladder to heal in 4 weeks. Four weeks later, at her follow-up appointment, Kate was told her bladder had not healed, and she was now looking at additional complications.

 

Fifteen months have now passed. During that time, Kate had to use a catheter for most of those months, underwent fifteen invasive procedures, made three trips to the emergency room, seven visits to urgent care for painful infections requiring medication, and had two additional surgeries. In February, the most recent surgery in Rochester took four hours and required a two-night hospital stay.

 

The stress over the last number of months has taken a toll on Kate and her boys. The financial toll has been especially difficult, as Kate has been solely responsible for all medical costs not covered by insurance. Because of the surgical error, Kate sought legal advice from three different lawyers in the hope of recovering her out-of-pocket costs but was told she had no recourse. Kate has had to put all the charges on her credit cards, and even with two jobs, she is struggling to make the minimum monthly payments. Kate’s out-of-pocket costs to date total $11,724.

 

Kate is one of the most amazing women we know. She is kind, compassionate, and an incredible friend. As a Social Worker and mom, her life revolves around helping others. Over the years, we’ve been on the receiving end of her many acts of kindness and generosity. It’s time to repay the favor.

 

Please share this GoFundMe far and wide. Let’s help Kate lighten the financial burden so she can focus instead on continuing to heal. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much!

Barb O'Meehan and Jen Brown