Katie Kingery

Hi everyone. I post this fundraiser with the heaviest heart. My sister, Katie, has succumbed to her mental illness after so many years of struggling. On Saturday morning Katie was rushed to Bergan Mercy hospital by ambulance where the medical team was able to revive her body but not her brain. We were all holding on to hope, praying for divine intervention, that she would somehow find her way back to her body and her two beautiful babies. Because to Alana (8) and Amari (4), they’re mommy was their everything. She lived everyday for them and I still cannot believe that she would leave them in this way. I know if she were “in her right mind”, she would never. We knew she was struggling but didn’t realize how badly. She just got too tired to keep trying. I was just with her less than 24 hours prior (Friday afternoon) as she reached out for my help with a few things around her house.

On Saturday morning she baked her girls fresh cinnamon rolls and took the time to “love” the post I made on Facebook regarding her nephews expected arrival in just a few short weeks. She was so excited to become an aunt, for the fourth time. Not only was Katie a great mother, she was also an awesome aunt. We have been raising our kids together over the years. From a random weeknight hangout and dinner to planning and taking family vacations. Now instead of her being here with me, I will have to be the mother figure to all of them. Which is still difficult to wrap my head around.

Katie is an organ donor and on Monday evening multiple families received calls letting them know that their miracle has arrived. They will be receiving the heart, lungs, liver or kidney they have been so desperately praying for. Because the only part of Katie that could not be saved was her mind as it was just too sick. The doctors said that her organs are some of the healthiest they have seen. Although our family is so incredibly jealous that she did not come back to us, we are also so moved to know that she is going to help so many others.

We are now asking for financial help to lay her giving body to rest. Katie unfortunately did not carry a life insurance policy and we simply do not have the spare funds to do this alone. My family of 5 is increasing by not only two wonderful girls but also a baby boy in March. Our step dad has cancer that has caused him to not be able to work. Our mom is already working two jobs just to barely make ends meet for their household.

If you have even the smallest amount to give financially, we would be so grateful. If you do not have the financial means; we understand as these are tough times financially but please keep our family in your prayers, especially Alana and Amari as they go through life without their mommy.

Mental Health is so important but sadly it’s not easily accessible in our community. Check on your loved ones. <3

-Lindsey

A grieving sister