Support Katie McKinney's Urgent Medical Needs

My name is Katie McKinney, and I am a paramedic for Atrium Health, primarily working in the Macon and Baldwin locations. On Sunday (7/20), I was on my way to work in Baldwin when I began throwing up a good amount. I pulled over into a gas station where I started throwing up blood. I contacted my work and then turned around to divert home to change my clothing as blood got on them and then head to the ER. While I was driving, I suddenly became extremely nauseous and dizzy and lost consciousness. When I passed out, I ended up crashing my car into a guardrail.

My car is now totaled. I went to the local ER where I was then transferred to the trauma center after internal bleeding was noted from the crash. I now have two sources of bleeding. An EGD was performed today, and it was noted that I had high-pressure proximal esophageal varices, which currently have a slow leak. I am at high risk for rupture, which is life-threatening. In addition, I have developed ascites. It was discovered that all of this is due to my superior vena cava being completely occluded. In addition to the leak from the varices, I have a laceration to my liver from the wreck, which led to the internal bleeding. My blood count levels have dropped, and I ended up with a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg due to the amount of blood loss that occurred.

I am currently looking at having to transfer hospitals again tomorrow. The trauma center I am at is not equipped for the treatment I need due to my SVC. Their goal is to transfer me to Piedmont Atlanta, where vascular surgery and the liver transplant team can work together to come up with a treatment plan and interventions to treat the SVC, the esophageal varices, and ascites.

I currently am a PRN employee who works full-time hours. Due to this, I have no benefits, no PTO, and no short-term disability. I will only have two days on my next paycheck. I will be missing over 72 hours that I was supposed to work this week. The two days aren’t enough to even cover my basic bills. This has led to a lot of anxiety and panic as I am a single mom, and my daughter relies on me for her needs.

I was asked to create this GoFundMe to help with immediate needs. To pay the bills that I won’t be able to cover due to missing work. To cover any traveling expenses associated with the transfer. To ensure my daughter has enough to eat and drink in addition to keeping a roof over her head.

Thank you for whatever help you are able to give. If you are unable to donate, I covet prayers for healing and relief and would be grateful for those as well.