Kim's Story

Those who know Kim Varland, know that she is the proud mother of three, Gus, Louie and Georgi. She is always the first person to step up and help in any way she can and she and Wade are now in need of some help themselves.

In February of 2023, Kim was diagnosed with AL Amyloidosis, a rare disease that occurs when a protein called amyloid, builds up in organs. This amyloid buildup can cause the organs to not work properly. Organs that may be affected include the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract. The mutant Amyloid can deposit in the bone marrow or any other tissue or organ. In Kim's case, it manifested in her spine, deteriorating one vertebrae to nearly non-existent, causing unbearable back pain as the vertebrae lay against her spinal cord. The spine posed a serious risk of paralysis and further debilitating damage.

In May of 2023, Kim had extensive spinal surgery to repair her back and provide some relief. During recovery, in July of 2023, she started chemotherapy to prevent further build up of the amyloid. Chemotherapy will be followed by a bone marrow transplant.

There is no known cure for this chronic disease.

This all began in the summer of 2022, Kim took some time off to watch baseball, work on a large landscaping project and look for a new job. It was during this time that she injured her back and the AL Amyloidosis diagnosis was determined. This was also a time when the family was without medical insurance. The spinal surgery, chemotherapy, and many tests and medications have left the family in deep debt and are having difficulty making their household bills and mounting medical payments.

Recent MRI results have shown that the amyloid has created more compression fractures in the vertebrae causing debilitating pain again. She will likely need another extensive back surgery before the bone marrow transplant.

The Varland family feels so incredibly blessed to have the love and support of their family and friends. Kim feels so additionally blessed to have the support and after care that Wade and Georgi have provided during these difficult procedures, particularly with the painful spinal surgery recovery. Their care is immeasurable and, together with the love and support that Gus and Lou provide from the field, Kim is filled with such gratitude and love that it gets her through each moment of her treatment and recovery.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kim's story and for considering helping the family with a donation. Kim is not at all comfortable in asking for this help, but due to necessity, she has begrudgingly allowed us to create this GoFundMe for anyone wishing to help the family during this difficult time.