We told you recently about a young mother and wife in need of a life-saving kidney transplant. Rachel Povhe’s husband, Matt wrote a heartbreaking post asking for help – searching for a donor for his beautiful wife. The story was viewed on our site more than one million times. Rachel is still waiting. CLICK HERE TO READ HER STORY.Â
Matt told me that his story reached far more people than he could have imagined. He’s heard from many people – including those who want to help and also another couple in need of help. Matt asked me to share the story of another mother and wife – also in need of a life-saving kidney.
Her name is Katilyn Elsholz and she is 28-years old. Here is her story in her words:
“Hello. My name is Katilyn Elsholz, I am 28 years old. I am married to an amazing, hard working, loving man. We have been married for 3 1/2 years but have been together for 11 years. March 18, 2018 was the best day of our lives. I gave birth to our most incredible healthy baby girl.
On March 21, 2018 we were getting ready to get discharged from the hospital when I decided to take a nap. When I woke up, we had discovered that I had a temperature of 105 F. They immediately started running every test you can think of. They told my husband that I had eternal bleeding somewhere but could not find it. Within the next couple of days I was only getting worse. I was swelling up, could not breathe, and coughing up blot clots so bad that they gave the little suction thing that you get at the dentist to help. I was Mercy Flighted to Buffalo General Hospital where I was then given a breathing tube and put into a medically induced coma for 5 days. At that point we were still not sure what was wrong with me. When I had woken up my whole world was turned upside down. They had discovered that I had a rare disease that is called aHUS (atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome) which caused an even rarer blood disorder called TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura). The Doctors said that if I did not ask the nurse to check my temperature and I went home I never would have made it.
Unfortunately, we did not catch in time before it caused damage to my kidneys. It had killed both of my kidneys. I have stage 5 kidney failure. It was definitely an adjustment after just having a baby. I go to dialysis 3 times a week for 3.5 hours. Most days I feel exhausted, lightheaded, and nauseous. I have been in the hospital more times then I can count. Which means I have missed SOOO much of my baby growing up. So far it has been tough but manageable. Now that my daughter is older it is getting harder and harder to keep up with her everyday.
Writing this is very tough for me but it has come to the point I need to do this for my daughter. I thought I had more time but without a kidney I am getting more and more exhausted and she is only growing faster by the second. It sickens me beyond belief to have to ask for something so major but I have to do this for my daughter, husband and the rest of my family. Unfortunately, the average wait time on the transplant list is 5 years. Also, a living donor is most preferable. They tend to last a lot longer then a deceased kidney.
I know that donating a kidney and what the surgery entails can be a little scary especially if you do not know what it entails. Here is some information for you regarding donating a kidney.
* You only need 1 kidney to live a long and happy life
* You will more than likely be back to normal in 2 weeks
* You will have a separate team who will be focused on you making sure that this is safe for you and that you are good enough for the surgery and will be okay without 1 kidney.
*They will look out for your best interests
* They will also make sure you are in complete understanding of the benefits and risks.
*The cost for everything will be covered through my insurance.
If you are considering donating your kidney I will be more than happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Even if you do not wish to donate, please share our story to everyone in hopes that it will reach some else that may consider.
I am O-negative and can only receive from TYPE-O. Even if you do not have TYPE-O blood type you can still donate. I have the link below that for Kidney Connection that explains how someone with a different blood type can donate through a kidney exchange program. To be screened it is completely confidential. I would not know you called unless you told me. Just let them know you want to donate for
KATILYN ELSHOLZ.
I know this is such a huge, selfless thing to ask of someone. If it is something you unselfishly consider to do. I will forever by grateful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I gratefully appreciate it.
Here is the contact information below
ECMC- (716) 898-6283
kidney4katie@gmail.com
www.kidneyconnection.org
livingdonorsonline.org
www.kidney.org
You can also message me with any questions.
Thank you again!!”
0 Comments