May 10, 2018

Karen has made major improvements this week. Milestones, really! No more feeding tube and no more trachea. Her appetite is improving and thank God for Ensure and Boost protein / vitamin drinks. Her spirits are up. She is very positive. She is walking around the organ transplant floor at Temple University Hospital. Her only “minor issue” is her lower back pain due to the prolonged, but necessary time in a hospital bed.

Karen has gone to visit this HHL web site. She is overwhelmed with the outreach from friends and family. She is inspired and appreciates all of the support that people have provided. It means a lot to Karen and her family. She has read each-and-every guest book HHL support note. She cannot thank all of you individually, but please know that she truly is touched — and appreciates all of the outpouring of your kindness and support. It really has touched her heart! Thank you all very much for everything …

God bless,

Richard & Ryan

May 8, 2018

Karen started to walk with assistance and a “walker” yesterday and today. That was so amazing! She went around the ICU floor at Temple University Hospital. Nurses and Doctors were showing her support, as she made a complete round. She was very tired! This afternoon, I finally got to hear Karen’s voice with assistance from a trachea device. We can finally communicate without frustration. Two (2) huge hurdles, this week, that Karen has overcome. This is helping with her attitude and giving her more strength to continue. Karen is a fighter, no doubt!

Thank you everyone for the continued support and prayers. They mean so much to our entire family. Karen actually saw this HHL web site today — and was overwhelmed with heartfelt emotion. She is truly blessed with so many good close friends and wonderful, supportive family members from Omaha, NE., Albany, NY. and Burlington, VT. areas.

Thank you very much — and God bless,

Richard & Ryan

April 2, 2018

Karen recently had a birthday this past week! This was very special to Karen and her entire family. Today she was moved into a bedside chair. She was all smiles! She is continues to work with Speech Therapy (due to a temporary trachea) and Physical Therapy (for strength and conditioning). Her new organ is working great. Karen is getting stronger every day. She is getting her personality back — and she loves being visited by friends and family. Let us know if you are interested in visiting Karen at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Affordable arrangements can be made by the family at the Gift of Hope, Family House (lodging, meals and shuttle transportation). Every day is a true blessing. Karen is making continued progress, albeit slow and steady. Cards and letters are always welcome.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and prayers. Thank you all very much!

God bless,

Richard & Ryan

April 2, 2018

tuh.templehealth.org

April 3, 2018

Karen is now slowly starting occupational and physical therapy with Temple University Hospital (TUH). This is exciting news for our family! Karen is in very good spirits. Smiling and looking more like herself every day. Continued prayers and support, please.

Thank you to everyone. Your support and kind words mean a lot to both Ryan and myself. Every day is a true gift!

God bless,

Richard & Ryan

April 3, 2018

Karen is making good progress. What seemed like an impossible mountain — she has successfully crossed. What seemed like another large, daunting hill — she has successfully crossed. Right now, we are dealing with post-surgical “pot-holes” or bumps in the road that are not major, but annoying in the overall healing process. This is expected for such a complex surgery. Karen is fully awake and aware. She is getting stronger every day. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. This truly has been a miracle — and we sincerely thank you all! We have faith in our Temple University Hospital (TUH) surgical and medical teams. They have done an amazing job! Right now, it is up to Karen to endure and embrace the healing process.

God bless,

Richard & Ryan

March 8, 2018

Karen is still on the ICU floor of Temple University Hospital (TUH). Organ transplant is over, but now the “healing” really begins. She came to this hospital in a weak state from The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVM MC). TUH is doing everything they can to make her stronger! Prayers are still needed for Karen to improve her strength and move to the next phase. Thank you in advance for your support.

February 27, 2018

Karen has just successfully had her organ transplant surgery. A true miracle! She is now on the journey to a full recovery at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. It means a lot to our entire family. God bless.

Richard & Ryan

February 27, 2018

Temple University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA.

Surgeon: Dr. DiCarlos