When Kory was getting his TDAP shot to protect his new baby, the doctor decided to run a routine blood panel on Kory. The blood panel showed Kory’s GFR was 29 (normal is 90-120). After numerous tests and biopsies, Kory was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a condition that damages the glomeruli inside your kidneys. Over the next two years, Kory and Andrea worked tirelessly to slow the progression with a strict diet and a long list of medications. However, shortly after the birth of their second daughter, Hayden, on February 13, 2018, Kory’s GFR had further declined, reaching a low of 15. By August 28th, he was officially listed on the kidney transplant list. He is now preparing to begin dialysis unless a compatible donor is found.
After the transplant, Kory will stay in the hospital for one week. Then he and Andrea must live in close proximity to the hospital for one month, which means they will be living three hours from home. After that, they will have rechecks twice a week for six weeks, and then once a week for a month. Consequently, Andrea will miss one month of work and Kory will miss three months of work minimum.
Because Kory got IgA nephropathy at a young age, doctors say that he will need an additional transplant in his lifetime. Kidney transplants from a deceased donor last about 12 years, and from a live donor they last about 15 years. He will also need to be on anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life. Thankfully, aside from IgA nephropathy, Kory is a very healthy 26 year old. He is expected to lead a normal life once he is able to undergo this procedure.
In addition to Kory’s health problems he has had over the past 2-3 years, their first daughter, Logan, was born with Pulmonic Stenosis and ASD, found initially through a severe heart murmur. The doctor told them that the hole in her heart was so big that she may need open heart surgery. She gradually showed improvement with each follow up scan to the point where the doctor said she may not need a procedure at all. She is a very active, healthy 2 1/2 year old now, but they continue to need routine scans to ensure she is still healing on her own. Ever since Logan’s birth, the Eckermans have been weighed down by medical bills.
This page was started to help my sister and brother-in-law with this tremendous financial burden. We have chosen Help Hope Live because this non-profit organization assures fiscal accountability of funds raised, and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used for medical expenses. Kory and Andrea are such hard-working, loyal people and would do anything to help anyone. They are handling this time of high stress with grace and are raising wonderful daughters in the midst of all of this. I would love to see them blessed through this very difficult time.
To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please consider sharing this link with others so they may donate as well.
For Checks:
Make checks payable to: Help Hope Live
Note in memo section: In honor of Kory Eckerman
Please send to: Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road
Suite 100, Radnor, PA 19087
Thank you so much for your support! This young family will appreciate any help given.
Sincerely,
Shelby Medak
