Help Marie Find A Kidney
- Fri, Nov 22, 2024 5:35 PM
UPDATE
Thank you for all your prayers! Marie Grabowski, the wife of our Executive Secretary Lawrence Grabowski, received a Kidney Transplant on November 21st and is doing great!
Please continue to keep the Grabowski Family in your prayers as she continues her recovery!
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Brother Knights, Marie Grabowski, wife of State Executive Secretary Larry Grabowski, is in urgent need for a kidney. Please read "Marie's Story" below, spread the word to help find a donor, and most importantly, keep Marie in your prayers.
MARIE'S STORY
My name is Kathryn and I am writing because my mother, Marie Grabowski, needs a kidney. My mom donated a kidney to her brother over 30 years ago when his kidney health was compromised from medication. I know this decision was one she did not make hastily, as I was only 5 years old and my sister was 11 when the transplant took place.
For many years, my mom’s kidney health was great. Unfortunately, a few years ago, it became evident that she herself has chronic kidney disease, and in the last year, the function of her single kidney has decreased dramatically. At 11% kidney function, my mom is hopeful that she can receive a transplant before ever having to get on dialysis, which will greatly limit the things she is able to do on a daily basis.
The waiting list in Michigan for a kidney donation is generally 5 to 7 years. A living donor coming forward would allow her to receive a kidney much sooner. Her quality of life would dramatically improve, and with two young grandchildren, she has a lot to live for. We all wish that she could gain her energy again that she once had; a kidney would be life-changing.
The evaluation to be a kidney donor is very thorough and paid for by the recipient’s (in this case, my mom’s) insurance. The transplant team won’t let you donate unless they determine you are healthy. Most living donors have laparoscopic surgery and are in hospital for only 1-2 nights.
I hope you’ll consider sharing my mom’s story as we search for a donor, or maybe you’ll even consider contacting a transplant center yourself to be evaluated! Thanks so much for reading this. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at grabowski.flute@gmail.com or 586.925.3369.