Viral “Kidney 4 Keli” Campaign Seeking Help to Fund the Gift of Life

Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator

eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399

Release: Immediate

VIRAL “KIDNEY 4 KELI” CAMPAIGN SEEKING HELP TO FUND THE GIFT OF LIFE

Hundreds Have Volunteered Their Kidneys—Now They Just Need Financial Help

HAMILTON, Ohio—“Together, we can.” That’s the motto that mother of four Keli Thorn and her husband, Aaron, live by as they search for a stranger to donate a kidney to save Keli’s life. Hundreds of selfless people have stepped forward to be tested as donors, but the transplant process can’t move forward without financial help. The Thorns have now partnered with the nonprofit Help Hope Live at helphopelive.org to fund the gift of life for Keli.

Aaron Thorn was desperate when he first stood on a Hamilton street corner with a simple sign: “Need Kidney 4 My Wife.” His incredible gesture went viral, overwhelming Keli and her family with the power of community support and selflessness. “Over 100 people reached out to Keli’s hospital,” Aaron explained. “The hospital said that if everyone who stepped forward could donate, their kidney waiting list would be obliterated in a day.”

With hope back in their lives, Aaron and Keli now need support of a different kind. Keli, who is living with polycystic kidney disease, will not qualify for a kidney transplant unless she raises $4,300 to cover a vital medical bill. To raise the funds, the Thorns have turned to the national nonprofit Help Hope Live. They are fundraising at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/16947/

Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. All donations will be managed entirely by the nonprofit, and funds raised will be used to cover medical costs via Help Hope Live’s Great Lakes Transplant Fund. Donations can also be made by calling 800-642-8399 or by check (instructions are on Keli’s Help Hope Live page).

“Keli is a great mom to four kids between ages 11 and 21,” said Aaron Thorn. “She works her behind off, day in and day out, to provide for our crazy, wonderful family. She has been the rock that holds her family together. With help from fundraising and the support of this community, we can’t wait to finally give Keli the chance of a healthy life.”

Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in 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 $135 million to pay patient expenses. ###