My name is Beth McClellan and I’m asking for the support of family, friends, and community for my friend Kimberly (Jones) Brooks, who grew up in the Salem area and has lived most of her adult life in Valdese, NC.

Early December 2024, Kim, who is just 55 years old, collapsed at home with multi-organ failure and internal bleeding from ruptured varices. She went into emergency surgery and remained on a ventilator in ICU for 10 days. When she woke, she was able to be taken off the ventilator and moved to their critical care unit. Her kidney function, though damaged, returned; however, her liver did not. After 17 days, she was discharged for a short stay in rehabilitation to external caregivers to begin the process of treatment to transplant.

However, Kim’s condition rapidly became critical, and she was sent to CMC, where they quickly transferred her to Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. The past couple of weeks have been a blur of excellence in evaluation, care, tests, and a transplant team that fought to push Kim to the top of the transplant list. They discovered a genetic deficiency, double ZZ gene AAT, where her liver doesn’t produce the necessary protein, leading to liver, and in some cases, progressive lung damage/disease. So that’s why we are where we are…a beautiful but challenging place!! Kim received a new liver on Friday, Feb 21st, and is recovering well! We are so thankful for the gift from this donor!!

Part of the transplant protocol is the patient and a primary caregiver must remain in the Durham area for 1-3 months. This is a typical range given during transplant education. She has to be close to clinical appointments as well as near the team should she require hospitalization for any issue.

Here’s where we need help if your hearts are led to do so. Housing options that meet her physical limitations and location requirements for her and her daughter, Heather, are averaging $3000 per month. Kim and Heather both have no income at this time, and her savings are being used to keep her home in Valdese ready for when she comes home! We are asking for help with securing the housing. The goal amount is equal to 3 months lodging. Rest assured that any amount received over will be greatly appreciated and used for any need that may arise during this period of Kim’s recovery!!

We thank you in advance for your generosity and compassionate support!! Bless you!