Caitlin is finally getting a kidney!!!

The journey started for Caitlin almost 6 years ago, back in 2017 when things started popping up during her pregnancy with her youngest Lucy! It took some time to determine that her kidneys were in a bad way but it would take several months after the birth of Lucy to determine that she had iGa nephropathy. A kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in your kidneys. Over several years the inflammation builds up damage in the kidney until the kidney is no longer functional. In Caitlin's case, her pregnancy sped up the disease bringing her to 30% kidney function at the time of giving birth to her daughter. In 2019 her kidneys were not functioning enough to filter the waste and she started peritoneal dialysis. This dialysis allowed her to be home and do it at night, so she could be present for her kids.

In 2019 it was determined that she would need a transplant and was added to the list. She has had 2 transplants scheduled since then but both times ended up being canceled 2 weeks before the transplant was scheduled to happen due to the antibodies changing! In the last year or so, she spent several months not feeling well to find out she needed her gallbladder out. Unfortunately, the dialysis that should have worked enough to get her by until she was healed and could function normally didn't function at all, leaving her body toxic and in serious condition. In order to clear out her system she had to go to hemodialysis for a bit. This is an in-center dialysis 3 days a week for 4 hrs in Reno, NV. After a few weeks, she was back to normal and back to her at-home peritoneal dialysis.

It was at this point, Caitlin had to choose to give up the long-standing job that had worked with her through all the appointments and time off needed to take care of herself and focus on her family.

It is now that we have confirmation that on Jan 3rd, 2023, she will receive a kidney transplant from a donor in Chicago, while our brother Evans goes in at the same time to give his kidney to another person that is a better match.

Lance will need to be in San Fransisco for 4-5 days while she goes through this. The travel, hotel, food, and unknown amounts of upcoming medical bills leave them needing some help.

I know it is Christmas time leaving people thin on funds, but if you can either share this or help in any way our entire DeMartile and Schmid family would be incredibly grateful.

Caitlin doing hemodialysis ^^