Kierstin has a genetic kidney disease that was diagnosed in utero. This disease impacted her liver, and she was diagnosed at 11 years old with a liver disease. Because of this disease, she was faced with the reality that one day she would probably need a liver and kidney transplant.

After her brain bleed and multiple surgeries in 2021, her kidney function has dropped rapidly, and this means that she is in need of a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, her liver will not be able to handle a new kidney at this point, so she needs both a liver and a kidney transplant. She will need a liver transplant first, and after she recovers from that, she will get the kidney transplant! We know it’s good and necessary, but it is also very daunting and scary even though she has known basically her whole life this would happen one day. I did not expect it to be while she's still so young.

Now here is where you all come into play! In order to get a new liver, it actually has to be a live donor. She doesn't qualify for a deceased donor. How is a live donor possible? Well, they would only take a portion of someone else’s liver and put it in her. The person whose liver we took from, their liver would basically grow back, and the portion she received would grow bigger once it is fully functioning in her body.

I am asking for YOUR help! It’s a BIG ask, I know, and it’s hard for me to even get on here and vulnerably ask for this, but would you ever consider donating? If the answer is yes, I can give you more information and send you the link for pre-screening. You can talk it over with family, friends, people you trust that would give good advice on if it’s even a possibility for you in your season of life. Pray about it, look up some information. You will need a good strong support system!! Again, I know it’s a big ask! But reach out to me if you’re interested in more information or the pre-screening link.

Most of all, She needs all my amazing prayer warriors out there!!! This isn’t easy, I’m scared of what the next few months will look like, our heart is hurting for her little boy Axel who doesn’t fully understand but knows that mama is sick. Each day is hard to even get out of bed right now, but it will it will get better soon. Pray that a match for a liver from a live donor is found quickly, that Axel will be just fine and not grow up just remembering “mama being sick” or “mama is so tired today,” and pray for her family! They have really stepped up for Axel and Kiersten during the past 8 months and have sacrificed so much to help!! They love us so well, and I’m so thankful for them!

She’s facing a long road to recovery and won’t be able to return to work for quite some time. Her live donor will also need 6–8 weeks to heal, without any income during that period. Both families will be making frequent trips to the hospital, which means added costs for food, lodging, and travel. Any support during this challenging time would mean the world to them.