Kim Pinkston-Haney Recovery Fund

Hi, my name is Paula Clark, I've been friends with Kim since age 5. Thank you for visiting our page. Our friend Kim needs your help! We all remember Kim as always smiling, laughing, happy and a very generous person. 'Pinky', as our coach Bruce Jilek called her, has been struggling with a variety of health issues for the past 2 years, and most recently this past month. These issues have left Kim, who never sat down and worked over 75 hours a week, unable to work at all.

Kim was diagnosed with an extreme form of RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) and has had to take medication similar to chemo. This condition and medications have left Kim unable to work and unable to enjoy an independent lifestyle. Kim lives in Morrison, IL with her daughter Andrea, Andrea's husband and their 3 kids. Kim thoroughly enjoys her grandchildren. A few weeks ago the whole household came down with the flu. Kim did not bounce back like the rest of her family. The RA medications have nearly depleted Kim of her immune system and she ended up hospitalized with double pneumonia. Kim was rushed to Morrison hospital with plummeting O2 stats. Andrea called to tell me that the doctors feared Kim was not strong enough to fight off the infection. The doctors were telling Andrea to expect the worse and to call her family to come to the hospital ASAP. Friday, December 16 began a desperate search for a hospital bed at a facility with a pulmonary specialist. Finally, late Friday, Kim received an emergency transfer to Madison, Wisconsin where she remains in ICU. She is beginning to see some improvement. Kim has no income and little insurance. Andrea is trying to get the house ready for Kim's return with medical equipment to ease her long road to recovery.

Ironically, Kim's birthday is tomorrow, December 22. I am so thankful that Kim is making strides toward healing. We all remember her as being a non-complainer and tough- and she definitely is! She has a long way to go, but as usual- Kim is being her positive self while realizing she almost didn't make it. You can't help but smile, just thinking of her. Your donation to Kim and Andrea would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to send Kim messages and I will make sure she gets them. In future posts, I will share an address for cards.

Kerri Blaylock and I often reminisce about 'Pinky' and her fierce attitude as our catcher behind the plate! The best story shared is when Pinky busted out from behind the plate and forcefully ran the runner back to third base. No one was getting a stolen base on her if she could help it, at least she'd scare them enough to think they couldn't run! So she ran the runner down the third base line-- nearly all the way back to the base. Turning her back to the runner, she walked back to her position with a sense of accomplishment. Pinky walked down the line and tossed the ball back to Kerri in the pitchers' circle. All of a sudden, without anyone covering home plate-- the runner bolts right by Pinky to score! Kerri stood there in disbelief as she had no one to throw the ball to! From this day forward, Jilek called this the 'Pinky Play', using it as a teachable moment for all catchers to follow!

In Kim's adult life, we coached our daughter's softball team together for many years. Kim persevered after tragedy struck as her husband and best friend Tom died. Kim returned to college in Mortuary Science. For the past 20+ years, Kim has been a hugely successful, talented and compassionate mortician. Kim is a devoted mom, grandma and friend, who now needs a helping hand. Kim is one of those friends that is always there. Her friendship stands the test of time. From age 5 when we met at Herrin City Park, until now, she remains a special friend.

This fundraiser will greatly help Kim through this difficult time with medical expenses and assistance since she cannot work. I look forward to sharing updates as Kim gets stronger and continues her journey back to health. Thank you again for all of your prayers and support. Please share this page!