Kathryn’s Liver Transplant Journey

Hi, my name is Angie and I am Kathryn’s mother. Kathryn is 21 years old and has Cystic Fibrosis and is currently awaiting a full liver transplant. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic life-threatening disease that damages the lungs and digestive system. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. It causes these fluids to become thick and sticky. They then plug up tubes, ducts, and passageways. Kat was diagnosed with CF at the age of 3 and has been a fighter ever since. She is the oldest of 3 and has 2 younger brothers who look up to her. Kathryn grew up and had a semi normal childhood with the exception of many treatments and doctors appointments. Kathryn was always active and wanted to be doing something so she went on to get her black belt in taekwondo at the age of 9 and then went on to be an excellent catcher in softball all throughout her teen years. As she has gotten older and especially in the last 6 months, her health has been a constant battle. With many doctors appointments and new medications she ended up in the hospital in June and was told she needed to be evaluated immediately by the transplant team at NYU Langone and has been hospitalized since. We are asking for your help during this extremely difficult time. Expenses have become costly and she will most likely be in the hospital until they find a match for her new liver. Thank you all in advance and for your on going support, her friends and long term boyfriend have been an amazing support team. With all of you and her little village by her side, we’re sure she will continue to be a fighter!