For most of his life, Dennis Koerner, a high school teacher and athletic coach for 32 years, has been a very uncomplicated man. He has lived a life of generous simplicity, overlooking his own desires, and, instead, taking advantage of every opportunity to help his students and athletes build self-esteem and realize their true potential. But he is also a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and those dearest to him could always count on him to altruistically come to their aid when needed. Yet now, it is Dennis, himself, who needs the help, and as his friends and family, we have the opportunity to give back to someone who has given to us time and time again.

One day in July 2012 Dennis’s life was up-ended, when he found out he was living with a deteriorating kidney condition, stemming from high blood pressure. It took awhile but several doctors working together have managed to stabilize his condition and he is at home and doing well. He has (as of 4/17) begun at-home peritoneal dialysis.

Currently, Dennis is on the transplant list at UW-Hospital in Madison, WI, and hopes to move forward as soon as possible to receive a new kidney. Though he does have insurance that will help cover much of the procedure, there will be many out-of-pockets costs to come, such as: payments for hospital and clinic visits, unplanned complications, travel expenses and costly anti-rejection medications Dennis will need to take for the rest of his life.

To help with such expenses, a fundraising campaign in Dennis’ honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the North-Central Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. To make a contribution:

Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live

Note in memo section:
In honor of Dennis Koerner

Please send to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087

For credit card donations, please call 800.642.8399 or select the DONATE NOW button.

It’s never easy to ask for assistance, but funding Dennis’ transplant and expenses is a difficult challenge and we need your help. Your financial gifts and prayers will be greatly appreciated.

With sincere gratitude,

Dennis’ Friends
Arnie Kay (815) 455-0414 georgekay5354@sbcglobal.net
Jean Liere (815) 455-0591 sqzyboy@sbcglobal.net
Judy Powell (815) 459-8381 judypowell@att.net
Bill Mack (815) 356-0611 cmack41@sbcglobal.net