Keri, my courageous 36 year old sister has been living with Polycystic Kidney Disease for many years. Just recently she received the devastating news that she is in the end stage of her kidney disease and will need a kidney transplant within the year. This is her only option for a cure.
Keri has battled countless difficulties resulting from her disease yet through each setback, she has remained strong and positive. She was a dedicated 2nd grade teacher for many years; the joy she brought to her classroom each day was noteworthy. The mother of two amazing children, on her hardest days, Keri maintains a smile and finds the strength to make sure her family doesn’t feel worry. Despite her positivity, her disease is winning and things are going to get worse before getting better. My sister has given me the world; if my kidney is not a match for her, I want to do anything I can to keep her hopeful.
Even with insurance, Keri will have many uninsured transplant related expenses throughout the evaluation and transplant process; especially the costs of life-long immunosuppressant medications and post-transplant care. The transplant team at Mass General Hospital advises their patients to fundraise to help cover these costs.
A fundraising campaign in Keri’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Northeast KidneyTransplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Your love, support, and dedication to my sister are greatly appreciated. It is never easy to ask for assistance, and words cannot express how grateful we are for helping us to give Keri a second chance at life.
Please help us in our efforts to help Keri whether by making a donation or reposting this anywhere you can. Also, look for fundraising events on this page.
With sincere gratitude,
Kylee Valeras, 978-397-6196
The Sanford, Micalizzi, and Valeras Families
