Katelyn's Kidney Transplant

Our little sister, Katelyn Eitel (Pittman) is in need of a kidney transplant. She was diagnosed at the age of 15 with IGA Nephropathy. This is an auto immune disease that attacks her kidneys. Between multiple steroids,  immunosuppressive treatments, numerous doctors, and hospitalizations since 2005, they have been able to support her kidney's natural function at about 10% until now.  Katelyn is in stage 5 kidney failure and her transplant team at USC tells our family that she is in urgent need of a kidney transplant. Currently she is listed on the UNOS transplant list with a wait of 10-12 years. Therefore, her team is urging us to find a living donor as soon as possible.  She is "O" blood type and has yet to find a "perfect match" . 
   
     We need your help immediately. Katelyn's health has declined rapidly in the past few months. Her doctors have advised us that there are no more options, until we find a donor. 
  
      The transplant surgery and recovery will require her and her husband to reside within 10 miles of USC for several months. They live in the central coast of California which is nearly 300 miles away and will require them to have temporary housing near the hospital. They are self employed which adds to the financial hardship they will be facing. Katelyn's husband Ryan works hard every day to maintain their health coverage and daily expenses. However, the medical expenses they are facing is far beyond what treatment lies ahead for her. 
   
   Anyone that knows Katelyn, knows what a loving, kind hearted, compassionate wife/daughter/sister/auntie/friend she has always been. From the outside she looks like a beautiful, strong woman, but kidney failure has taken a tremendous toll on her body.  Anyway that you could help our family will be so much appreciated... by financial means or a possible donor. 

usclivingdonor.org
Katelyn Eitel
02/08/1989
 
Thank you for all your love and support.