Summers' Family
Donation protected
Hello, I'm Gwen Summers. My husband Kirk and I married St. Patrick's Day 2001 and lived a quiet life in Pennsylvania. However, eighteen months ago our lives were turned upside down. Kirk was diagnosed with liver disease was eventually placed on a transplant list. During this same time I discovered that after fourteen years of marriage I was pregnant with twins and due January 2015! We were scared and overjoyed all at the same time. My pregnancy was considered high risk due to my age and being multiples.
Kirk was continuously in and out of the hospital with complications from the liver disease, and I was also experiencing complications from the pregnancy which made life crazy! As Kirk's condition worsened we searched for a living liver donor. We had four potential candidates when his condition became so dire that a living donor was no longer an option.
Just a couple weeks later, at 26 weeks gestation, I was admitted to the hospital and had an emergency C-Section. Marcus weighed in at 3lbs. 7ozs. and Maria at 2lbs. 12ozs. on November 21, 2014. Despite being weak and sick we were blessed that Kirk was able to be present for the babies' arrival.
Maria was in the NICU for 7 weeks and came home January 2nd. Marcus remained another week and came home January 9th. On January 13th Kirk's condition declined dramatically and he was admitted to the hospital and has not yet returned home. Immediately Kirk was placed at the top of the National Donor Registry and had hopes that a liver was available on two separate ocassions, but they did not prevail.
Eight weeks after having the twins I had to return to my teaching position. The day after my return we were once more notified that a potential liver was available. The third time was the charm and Kirk recieved a new liver February 2, 2015! Our prayers had been answered. However, Kirk experienced complications with the anti-rejection drugs and suffered brain damage.
The road to recovery has been slow and grueling. Kirk is now in a nursing care facility and however slow he is making progress. As of this writing, Kirk has not been well enough to see his children but I hope to reconnect them very soon.
Being a new mother to twins and having a husband with a chronic condition is extremely challenging, but fortunately I have a wonderful support system through my family, church, neighbors, and co-workers. Without them I don't know how I would have made it this far.
Our expenses continue to mount with Kirks medications and his care. Any contribution that you can make to help offset costs is greatly appreciated.
Kirk was continuously in and out of the hospital with complications from the liver disease, and I was also experiencing complications from the pregnancy which made life crazy! As Kirk's condition worsened we searched for a living liver donor. We had four potential candidates when his condition became so dire that a living donor was no longer an option.
Just a couple weeks later, at 26 weeks gestation, I was admitted to the hospital and had an emergency C-Section. Marcus weighed in at 3lbs. 7ozs. and Maria at 2lbs. 12ozs. on November 21, 2014. Despite being weak and sick we were blessed that Kirk was able to be present for the babies' arrival.
Maria was in the NICU for 7 weeks and came home January 2nd. Marcus remained another week and came home January 9th. On January 13th Kirk's condition declined dramatically and he was admitted to the hospital and has not yet returned home. Immediately Kirk was placed at the top of the National Donor Registry and had hopes that a liver was available on two separate ocassions, but they did not prevail.
Eight weeks after having the twins I had to return to my teaching position. The day after my return we were once more notified that a potential liver was available. The third time was the charm and Kirk recieved a new liver February 2, 2015! Our prayers had been answered. However, Kirk experienced complications with the anti-rejection drugs and suffered brain damage.
The road to recovery has been slow and grueling. Kirk is now in a nursing care facility and however slow he is making progress. As of this writing, Kirk has not been well enough to see his children but I hope to reconnect them very soon.
Being a new mother to twins and having a husband with a chronic condition is extremely challenging, but fortunately I have a wonderful support system through my family, church, neighbors, and co-workers. Without them I don't know how I would have made it this far.
Our expenses continue to mount with Kirks medications and his care. Any contribution that you can make to help offset costs is greatly appreciated.
Organiser
Gwen Maul Summers
Organiser
York, PA