Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator
eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
DEVOTED SINGLE MOM NEEDS HELP TO GET PANCREAS/KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
D.C. Community Is Partnering With National Nonprofit Help Hope Live to Assist
Washington, D.C.—As Karlene Ore-Klimpacher celebrated her 50th birthday this month, she reflected on her journey so far as a single mother of two and D.C. public servant battling diabetic kidney disease. Karlene needs a pancreas and kidney transplant to live a healthy life. She has devoted all her time and energy to her family: now, her loved ones and her D.C. community are rallying to provide her with hope and financial help in her time of need through a transplant fundraising campaign with the national nonprofit Help Hope Live.
A diabetes diagnosis has created a severe strain on Karlene’s body. A double organ transplant is now her only hope for a healthy future. Over the years, Karlene has strived to stay positive and productive despite the debilitating physical and emotional impact of her medical issues.
Karlene is a public servant and a single mother of two, Felicia and Karson. “They are my world,” she explained. “I am so proud of the people they are growing into.” Karlene’s husband suddenly left the family in 2017, leaving Karlene overwhelmed in the midst of her health crisis. She called on her faith and personal resilience to get through the challenges, and today, she’s been able to watch one of her children depart for college.
Over the years, Karlene has faced a significant financial burden associated with her diagnosis and running a single-parent household. A kidney/pancreas transplant can come with an additional financial weight, even with insurance. Post-transplant, Karlene will need to take extremely expensive anti-rejection medications for a lifetime. These medications alone will likely top $5,000 per month.
That’s why Karlene’s community started a fundraising campaign with the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live. Donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/17624/
So far, her generous community has raised over $13,600 to assist with the transplant journey.
Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
In addition to financial support, Karlene’s community is offering her an emotional and spiritual lifeline in this time of need. Karlene’s online Guestbook is flooded with comments wishing her healing and blessings.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $165 million to pay patient expenses. ###
Written by Emily Progin
