We Have a Transplant! Now let’s help the Burkes!

My name is Cristina Kalmanson. Several years ago, my cousin, Kathleen Burke was diagnosed with kidney failure. She was put on dialysis while praying that a donor would be available for her.

The call came on October 19th that a matched transplant was available and to come in right away. While we were so excited for her to have a new lease on life, it is not without the recognition and sadness that someone else had passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family that lost a loved one and we thank them for their choice to donate life. Organ donation stories, such as theirs, truly highlight the best of humanity.

Her mother, Patricia, is the sole provider for their family. Unfortunately, she will be out of work for a few months while Kathleen recovers.. This fundraiser has been set up for the Burke family to assist with the financial burden associated with this huge undertaking. The funds collected will help cover some of the costs incurred with the surgery, transportation, post-surgery costs and lifelong medications for Kathleen. They will have to make many lengthy trips to the hospital for follow up appointments, so there will be extra costs with transportation and accommodations. The loss of income for two months will create a significant hardship for the Burke family.

My aunt Trish and Kat are the most kind, loyal, loving people you could ever meet. They are is amazing friends to everyone, and are always there if you need something. Trish is also one of the hardest working women I know. With Kat having been in advanced kidney failure and previously assisting with dialysis for several hours every night, Trish often works long days to support their family. They are amazing people and I hope we can help ease some of their stress so they can focus on Kat’s healing during this time.

Please show your support to Kat and her mother, Patricia, by making a contribution if you are in a position to do so. So that Trish may continue to stay home from work and be by Kat’s side through this very challenging time. Your donations will go directly towards their living expenses, travel expenses to and from Kat’s doctors appointments and anything else that they might possibly need. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will help lessen the financial burden so that they can focus on what’s most important, being there for Kat.

Please consider donating and/or sharing this fundraiser link. Thank you for any support you are comfortable gifting, it is greatly appreciated and any amount helps!