November 13, 2017

My name is Karen, I have been married 29 years to Harold who has been my biggest supporter. I have 2 children, a son who is married and a daughter who lives at home going to college. I can't even begin to tell you how much they mean to me. We have been so blessed by them. They would drop any thing to help. And my family members. They are always there for me every day any time. And many close friends who are in my support group. My church family who mean so much to me and are a huge part of my healing. I am a very fortunate person. Each and everyone are near and dear to my heart.

I have been an administrative assistant for a non-profit company for 9 years. And an executive assistant and administrative assistant over 20 years. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going camping and fishing. I taught Sunday school for several years. I volunteer when I am able.

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease over 6 years ago. I began Peritoneal Dialysis over 5 years ago. I was able to do the treatments at home at night while sleeping. I never missed a treatment and never had any issues….until April 2016. I contracted e coli. Doctors couldn’t determine how this happened, but it triggered the most challenging year of my life. Hospitalized with the e coli for 2 days, I was sent home only to get worse. I went to the emergency room where they transported me to a hospital with specialists. From the medication they gave me for the e coli, I got a fungal infection. I found out recently that the doctors told my husband that I had a 50/50 chance of living. His words to them were “don’t you dare tell her that, you don’t know my wife and what a fighter she is”. I spent the next few weeks in the hospital, lost 30 lbs, went through several tests, and had to have my catheter for the peritoneal dialysis removed, had to have a catheter put in my neck, then began hemodialysis.

I spent my 29th year anniversary and Mother’s Day in the hospital, but had several visits from family and friends. In May 2016, God answered the prayers that we asked for several weeks and I was released from the hospital. In August 2016, I had both of my kidneys removed. Then in January 2017, I had a fistula surgery, once it matured, I was able to have the catheter in my neck removed. I’ve been going to dialysis 3 days a week. I have good days and bad days, but the key is to keep a positive attitude.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and prayers. I can never express how much your kindness is appreciated.