Emily Cross

Louisville, KY

South-Atlantic Transplant Fund

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2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087

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Hello friends!

I am writing to ask for your help. In December 2009 my life with my husband Sam and 8-month-old daughter Ruby was changed forever. After an E-Coli infection, I developed a life-threatening blood disorder called TTP-HUS. Thinking I had a routine infection, imagine my surprise when I remained in the ICU for over three weeks. TTP-HUS is triggered by the body’s immune response to the infection, and causes the platelets in blood to shred and spread clots throughout the body. Often these clots travel to the brain and kidneys. In my case, these clots caused my kidneys to fail.

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!