Support Kelly's Recovery After Kidney Transplant

Five years ago at the young age of 22, Kelly ended up in the hospital after the flu had caused her kidneys to shut down unexpectedly. After a week of running many tests, including a kidney biopsy, she was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy. This autoimmune disease had been attacking her kidneys over time, leading to decreased function and scarring of the kidneys. IgaN unfortunately doesn't have a cure, but we proceeded to try every treatment option including months of steroids, different drugs, diets, and even a clinical trial through OHSU. Although some people can go many years with IgaN and maintain a pretty stable kidney function, her kidneys declined at a fast pace. In October of 2022 she was placed on the National Kidney Registry and qualified for transplant.

In January of 2023, she had surgery to place a PD catheter port in her stomach so she could begin dialysis. Her kidney function was down to 5% function, and she felt extremely fatigued and sick. Peritoneal Dialysis offered more flexibility than the traditional Hemodialysis because it could be done at home while she slept during the night for 10 hour sessions. She continued to work full time, and thankfully her work allowed for the flexibility she needed, including working from home more often to navigate these new life changes and frequent doctor's appointments.

During this time, her father Scott was also going through the process to donate a kidney for Kelly through University of Washington Medical in Seattle, WA. With a B+ blood type, he was unable to directly donate to Kelly who is an O+ blood type. However, this is very common and there is an exchange program through the NKR that allows for a swap in donations. Once approved, Scott would have a surgery to donate and his kidney would go to someone else who was in a similar position. Then, Kelly would receive an "I owe you" or voucher to receive another compatible kidney from this program. They not only match blood type, but also consider age, demographic, and many other blood typing compatibilities. After many months of testing, ups and downs of setbacks, Scott was finally approved to donate in early November of 2023. We were ecstatic and so relieved!

Scott proceeded with a very successful donation surgery at the end of November. We waited on the edge of our seat for a call that Kelly had found her match. Kelly had one match around this time that unfortunately fell through because the other donor decided to drop out at the last minute. Months later, at the beginning of February, Kelly finally received the call that they had found an excellent match on the East Coast!! At this point she had been on PD Dialysis for a little over a year. Her surgery was scheduled for February 21, 2024.

Kelly woke up after surgery with a new energy she says she hasn't experienced in years! This surgery has been such a blessing and answer to prayer after what felt like such a long wait. She is now 2 weeks post surgery, and continues to regain more and more strength every day. She has been adjusting to her new life, including many new medications she had to take for anti-rejection and follow up appointments twice a week. Her labs are looking incredible, and in a short time her kidney function has already gone up from 5% to 55% function.

Kelly is taking the next 3 months off of work for her recovery process. While the state of Washington offers FMLA benefits, she will have reduced wages for six of those weeks. She also has been hit with a lot of medical bills during this time that are overwhelming, especially at her age. There are also many new life-saving medications she has to be on for the rest of her life that add up in co-pays. Her father Scott and I are starting this GoFundMe to help her through some of the financial stresses of this process. We really appreciate anything you are willing to give and contribute. Even if you aren't able to give, all of the love, support, and prayers have really meant the world to our family. Thank you for following along with Kelly's journey!