Krista + Kara = Kidney Operation!

Krista "Katherine" Doherty grew up in Brookline, MA. She's one of 7 kids and is probably one of the most fun-loving people we are all lucky to know and love!

Krista has worked at Star Market & Shaws since 1986. She has been the Service Manager at Fenway Star Market for the last 3 ½ years. It’s been a family affair at the “Mah-ket”– her sister Anne Crook, her niece Lindsay Crook, her nephew Ben Crook along with Krista’s brother John Doherty, all worked with Krista at different points and locations. Her brother-in-law Thom Crook is the Store Manager of the Dedham Star Market. And her brother John Doherty has since moved over to Whole Foods as their Store Design Coordinator. 

In 2004, at the age of 34, Krista was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy.  This is a kidney disorder that occurs when IgA-a protein that helps the body fight infections - settles in the kidneys. Krista's doctors started with steroid treatments that went on for 15 months. Krista's disease was dormant until December of 2015 when it reared its ugly, unwanted head again.

Krista immediately started more steroid treatments and then escalated to a targeted chemo treatment over the course of 6 months. Krista lost weight, some of her gorgeous hair, 93% of her kidney function - but not her bubbly attitude and the will to live a long happy life! Plan B – time to find a kidney before the need for dialysis is needed!

Back to those 7 kids Krista came from - they and a few other close family friends stepped up to see if they were a match - Krista needed a kidney and fast.

Kara Jean Doherty, her youngest sibling with her own beautiful mane of gorgeous red hair - was a match! Kara is a beloved "South End Nanny" and has been for the past 10 years. Kara also has a loving boyfriend Andy. Kara will be turning 40 years old on February 21st - 7 days before she goes into surgery to give her sister the gift of life. A complete selfless act of love to help keep Krista Katherine here with us for very, very long time! There are just not enough words to express the gratitude of the amazing sacrifices you are making for your sister Kara - you are truly inspiring!

All of this, was of course never expected in their lives. Nor do you ever prepare for such a huge life changing event as this one - especially Krista in and out of treatments for well over a year now with funds fading whether its medical bills, lack of working full-time hours to take time off for treatments, etc. Both Krista and Kara will be out of commission for a combined 20+ weeks. So the purpose of this gofundme campaign is to help compensate Krista & Kara for lost/ reduced wages while out on this long leave from their jobs. And of course any extra medical necessities needed throughout their long recoveries. 

Kara also needs to prepare, then recover & focus on getting back up and running for those little cutie patooties & don't forget - back to Andy! (And who am I kidding - to have a good ol' fashioned 40th Birthday Bash when she's able!)

So here I am typing this gofundme account for one of my oldest, dearest friends who needs all the prayers in the world. Who needs not to worry about finances and simply allow her body to accept her new kidney and heal. Who needs to continue to make us laugh with her expressive story telling about her unreal life experiences that make the most hysterical stories - because I selfishly love to listen to her and cry, out loud, with severe, belly-aching, laughing! 

Lastly, Krista Katherine is not the name she was born with - back in the day - I had bestowed her with a middle name & Katherine fit! Make her giggle and call her Krista Katherine (or any loving nick name you may have for her) in your donations, texts, emails, cards and well-wishes! Humor is the best medicine!

PLEASE make a donation and then share this on Facebook, at your work, in emails or print out and mail to folks! It's a proven fact you can raise 30% more funds by simply sharing! Let's try and  hit the goal this BEFORE surgery!

Thanks for your time, donation and sharing this great cause! Surgery is scheduled for February 28, 2017. We will for sure keep you all posted on Krista & Kara's recovery!

HUGE THANKS from Krista & Kara’s entire family & friends!

Cards & well wishes can be mailed to:

Krista Doherty ~ 13 Austin St Hyde Park, MA 02136

Kara Doherty ~ 155 W Newton St Boston MA 02118