Hello, my name is Kari. I enlisted in the United States Army on active duty in August 1989 and retired as a Staff Sergeant after 23 years of service in February 2011. My military career began as a Class 9 Logistics Technician. My first assignment was with an aviation unit outside of Seoul, South Korea, where I spent two years before receiving orders to Fort Hood, Texas. There, I was assigned to a Forward Support Battalion for two years. I then served in the Army National Guard in Gatesville, Texas, for approximately 18 months before returning to active duty.
In April 1993, I reclassified as a Medic. My next assignment took me back to South Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, where I served for a year. I then returned to Fort Hood and was assigned to the 89th Military Brigade. During that assignment, I deployed to Bosnia for nine months in support of a NATO mission. In October 1998, I reenlisted for an assignment in Ansbach, Germany, where I served with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. While there, my brigade traveled to Israel for integrated training with the Israeli Air Force. In 2001, I reenlisted and returned to Fort Hood. I was assigned to a Brigade Support Battalion and deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of the things I enjoyed most about my military career was meeting people from all over the United States and around the world. I loved experiencing different cultures and learning from the people I met along the way. My military service gave me the opportunity to see places and experience things I never would have otherwise.
While I was still on active duty, I was diagnosed with a kidney disease called urinary reflux in April 2010. My kidney disease eventually progressed to the point where I needed dialysis, and I began peritoneal dialysis in January 2022. Unfortunately, the dialysis fluid began leaking into my right lung, which resulted in a hospitalization. I then had to transition to hemodialysis. During my first treatment, I experienced a severe allergic reaction to the dialyzer and passed out. Because of that reaction, I now have to use a specific type of dialyzer to prevent another allergic reaction. It has been a long and difficult process. After four surgeries, my fistula was finally ready to use.
I have now been listed for a kidney transplant at two hospitals for more than two years. Through everything I have faced, I have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of my family. My two older children, my 15-year-old daughter, and my amazing husband have been by my side throughout this journey. I have been married to my husband for 16 years, and I am incredibly grateful for his love and support. My extended family has also supported me through visits, prayers, and encouragement. My dad, who recently passed away, even wanted to donate a kidney to me. Knowing how much he wanted to help me is something I will always carry with me.
Dialysis has also changed the way I am able to travel. International travel can be especially difficult because my insurance does not initially cover dialysis overseas, which can create significant out-of-pocket expenses. There is also the concern that a dialysis machine may not be compatible with the specific dialyzer I require. Even traveling within the United States can be challenging. When I visit my mom in central Florida, I have sometimes had to drive an hour away to receive dialysis because that was the only clinic available.
Despite all of these challenges, I continue to look forward to what life can be after a transplant. One of my biggest dreams is to travel overseas and meet extended family on my husband’s side. I would also love to take a cruise and, most importantly, travel to Japan with my daughter as a graduation gift after she finishes high school.
Every day is a blessing from God, and I am grateful for the ability to continue doing the everyday things that so many people take for granted. I have been through a lot, but I believe the future only looks better. I am holding on to hope for a kidney transplant and all the adventures, memories, and possibilities that will come with it.
We need you to help us support Kari. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.