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My very dear friend, Karlene, is in need of a large and small intestine. Nationwide, only 50 of these rare transplants are performed each year. She will soon be called from her home in PA, to the Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC, where she will await this precious gift of life.
As she is no longer able to absorb nutrients orally, Karlene currently receives IV nutrition and medications to keep her alive. Unfortunately, these medications and nutrients also weaken her liver. She has undergone more than 30 abdominal surgeries and lives with the constant threat of liver failure, infection, intestinal obstruction and bleeding. With a smile that embraces all who meet her, she endures the pain and nausea of each day with a spirit that is inspirational. Karlene never complains or asks, “why me?” She misses her career Public Accountant and looks forward to returning to her business after the transplant. Karlene can always be found with her loving husband, Steve, granddaughter, Ava, (whom they have now adopted as their daughter) and her beloved companion dog, Chelsea. You can also find her at Ava’s school, Coventry Christian School, helping in any way possible. Better known as “Mrs. Mimi,” the children love to give her hugs, which bring smiles to her face and continue to fill her heart with love and grace.
Even with insurance, Karlene will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits, travel and temporary relocation to the Georgetown area and the costly immunosuppressant medications that she will need to take for the rest of her life.
In order to help with these uninsured medical costs, a fundraising campaign in Karlene’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, held in the Mid-Atlantic Intestine Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Can you please help Karlene with the expense of this life-saving, surgical procedure by making a contribution today by clicking the DONATE NOW button?
Thank you so very much for your generosity and willingness to be part of Karlene’s courageous journey.
Paula M. Morgan
[email protected]
GOOD NEWS UPDATE!
We are pleased to inform all of our loyal supporters that
on November 22nd Karlene received her Gift-of-Life -- her transplant!
Karlene's story was featured in the news! http://www.phoenixvillenews.com/lifestyle/20150329/spring-city-woman-stays-positive-despite-needing-rare-transplant
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/27421724/woman
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/clip/10869885/local-woman-who-traveled-to-washington-dc-for-transplant-gets-heartbreaking-news
Please go to Fox 29 News and look under local news for these two incredible stories about Karlene Novotny. Solid writing by Joyce Evans and the photography and editing cap it off. Worth every second of your time!
On November 18th at 9:30 a.m. in the morning I have received the call that a donor has been found for me. God's hands will guide me and the team to his will. Prayers please.
November 19th at 2:30 a.m. the doctor came into my room to let Steve and I know that the donor organ was not going to work for my transplant and we needed to cancel the surgery but I would remain on the list for the next one that was a match. God must have thought I needed a trial run to prepare for the tomorrows that this transplant has in store for me. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support as we await the next call.
Hi Karlene... You always have time for everyone who needs you. I join with your friends/family to help raise funds. I pray for you to receive what you need. I know God has a plan for you. He has given you the heart of an angel. Stand strong!
Cris. (Meme)
Hi Karlene! Stay strong each day and know how much God and all of your family and friends love you. May you feel God's peace and presence around you. Even though you may not know it, you are truly an inspiration to everyone who knows you by the way you are handling all of your health problems. I can't wait for your benefit concert on February 14th at Christ Lutheran Church Niantic in Barto, PA from 7-9 and then the after-party from 9-11 at the Social Hall! It is going to be so much fun! All are welcome. I trust many people will come in a show of support for you and your family.
Kathy Bittner
OMG Karlene. I am so sorry you are still going through all this. You are such a wonderful and strong person. I pray that your transplant goes through with lots of success. I remember the days I would go see you at tax time and that last year was it. You will come through this stronger than ever! I will see if I can find you on favebook. I am holding a Help Hope Live Bingo Event in March.
Danielle Bussell Bailey
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Karlene Novotny
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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