Karlene Novotny

Please help Karlene receive a life-saving transplant.

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]