December 1, 2025
I’m so grateful for everyone who continues to support me through encouraging words, prayers, meals, and funny pet pictures. I’m speechless with my first donation of 2025! This past week required another ER visit with eventual diagnosis of another kidney-related infection and Covid. (Whew! This is at least the fourth infection since July). Unfortunately, this won’t be my last visit to the ER. With the high risk of infection, and frequent hospital visits, I am not always able to attend to bills, or other things that require financial assistance. Donations allow me to focus on recovery, start chipping away at the overwhelming medical bills, and allow me to access care that isn’t covered by insurance. Because my immunosuppressant treatment is for the life of the kidney, the infections and side-effects will continue to occur. Your support is appreciated and truly makes a difference! Much love and thanks,Emily and family
October 30, 2025
Hello! I'm happy to share that my transplanted kidney is still working hard. I am still so grateful for the extra time it has given me with my loved ones. My darling girl is in high school! Remaining healthy is a considerable challenge with a transplant, and I sometimes become discouraged playing bacterial whack-a-mole. For the past two years, I have been on an immunosuppressant that is delivered via IV infusion, called Belatacept. This is in addition to Prednisone and Myfortic. I've been able to tolerate the Belatacept so much easier than Tacrolimus, particularly with neuropathy and toxicity episodes! However, Beletacept is quite expensive and isn't completely covered by my insurance. I am asking for assistance to help cover the costs of my infusions and an upcoming return to the Mayo Clinic for a much-needed follow-up. Because of the unpredictable course of transplant, I've looked for ways to stay uplifted and active. I've recently returned to my love of drawing and creating, which is incredibly therapeutic. I'm hoping to include a pet portrait fundraiser in one of our upcoming events! I'm fortunate to be surrounded by an incredibly talented family, friends, and community to contribute to the artistic renderings of your beloved pets. Stay tuned and save your favorite pictures for a portrait!
April 6, 2019
I am very lucky to have received an amazing kidney on 2/1/2012! My transplant has given me the ability to be a mama to Ruby, to hike with my family, cook with my friends, have days out thrifting with my mom, be an OT, and snuggle with my sweet dogs. However, Immunosuppression and all the extra medicines to keep my kidney healthy have their own side-effects. The past couple of years I have been frequently side-lined with viral illnesses, fractures, surgery, delayed healing, and a bit of diva AV fistula. Despite working my dream job, I discovered that traveling with FT hours was not the best fit for me. It took a few trips to the hospital and many missed days of work and quality time with family to sink in. With much encouragement from my loved ones, I reduced my work hours and turned my attention to getting and staying well. I am definitely not there, YET. But I am counting all the small victories. Most weeks, I am able to work with a few clients and keep myself well-ish. The many post-transplant expenses have been increasingly more difficult to cover. This is why I am reaching out for help with HelpHopeLive. We will be posting some fun fundraisers soon! Thank you for your support!
November 2, 2017
It has been a long time since I've posted. Thankfully, I have been busy since my transplant on 2/1/2012. I finally started my dream career as an Occupational Therapist a year ago, celebrated many birthdays with Ruby, Sam, family, and friends. I am forever grateful for all the people that made my transplant possible. These past few months have been full of health challenges. I have temporarily stopped working to focus on my wellness and spending time with my friends and family. I am currently being seen at the Mayo Clinic this week in hopes of discovering some answers and a game plan to get back to living. We appreciate any prayers, kind thoughts, and loving support. Thank you!
October 22, 2012
Fall Yardsale Fundraiser
A Yardsale Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, October, 27th in Louisville, KY.
Where: Greensprings Neighborhood
Wolf Pen Branch off of US 42
When: 8 am, 10/27/2012
Why: To raise funds for post-transplant expenses
Info: Katherine Weckman, 502.599.5623
February 9, 2012
A new routine
I was released from the hospital on Monday and returned to the Gift of Life Transplant House with my mom. I have many new changes in my daily routine, most noticeably, no more dialysis (HOORAY). I am seen on an outpatient basis for lab work,education classes, meetings with a social worker, pharmacist, financial advisor, and Mayo transplant clinical staff. I now take two immunosuppressants, an antibiotic, an anti-viral, a steroid and some vitamin supplements. The immunosuppressants must be taken 8 hours apart to maintain a steady level in the bloodstream-cue alarms! I also have an exercise program to increase strength and speed my recovery. Mayo staff shared with us a study that related survival rates with activity levels of transplant patients. I'm not losing this sucker because of laziness, darn it!
So my recovery is going well. The next few weeks are critical for complications, but so far, so good. I do confess that I have been a little too active. I'm afraid of going stir crazy, so I have been out and walking quite a bit. I am finding a better balance now but know that keeping up my spirit is as important to recovery as taking my meds and exercise.
After talking to Ruby on Skype last night, I felt heart broken that I couldn't hold her. I decided that I wanted to fly to Louisville this weekend. This idea was quickly poo-pooed by the PA-C, as well as an alternate suggestion of going sledding. Apparently, the whole riding on a plane/blood clot or sledding/running into a wall is not allowed for a few more weeks. BOO!
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January 14, 2012
Hooray,it's a kidney!
I will be participating in a paired-donor exchange at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,MN. I will be receiving a kidney from an unrelated living donor on 2/01/2012. My mother will be donating her kidney at a later date. We are very blessed to participate in this exchange. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. I can't wait to start this next adventure!
October 22, 2011
Yard Sale Fundraiser
We are having a yardsale on October 29th in Prospect, KY. For directions or to donate items, email me at [email protected].
