Kelly Whitten

Kelly Whitten’s Story

Our daughter, Kelly, was born five years ago with an Atrioventrical (AV) Canal Defect in her heart. At 4 months of age, the hole in her heart was fixed. She will be facing another heart surgery later in life as her body and heart grow.

What we didn’t know is that Kelly was born with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). This disease can also affect the liver, and causes Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis (CHF). This means Kelly will need a double transplant; she will need both a kidney and a liver.

Since receiving the diagnosis three years ago, Kelly has developed severe ascites. This causes her abdomen to be extremely enlarged and causes discomfort and difficulty moving around. She is prone to infections, her immune system is very low and she becomes sick very easily. Kelly has spent most of this year in the hospital at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fl. Kelly is being evaluated to see when she will undergo a transplant.

Though she gets worn out very easily, through it all, Kelly has maintained her love and silliness. She continues to be brave and strong. Everyone is amazed by her cheerful spirit.

At times like these, the support of family, friends and the community is crucial to help ensure a successful outcome. Even with private health insurance, Kelly now faces significant transplant-related expenses. The out-of-pocket expenses include co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits, travel and relocation at the time of transplant, and the costly immunosuppressant medications she will need to take for the rest of her life.

In order to help defray these expenses, a fundraising campaign in Kelly’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF), a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southeast Kidney/Liver Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. If you wish to make a contribution to Kelly’s campaign:Your support is critical to the success of Kelly’s struggle. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please know that your contribution counts.

Thank you so much,

Stuart Whitten (Kelly’s Dad)
727-577-5158
[email protected]