We're celebrating!
Claire's 1st Transplant Anniversary!
December 30, 2011
It's hard to believe that just a year ago we were preparing for the long journey of Claire's nephrectomy surgery and kidney transplant. Looking back, those days were filled with uncertainty, fear, excitement and faith all mixed together. There were sleepless nights, tearful hours, a painful recovery and a few bumps in the road, but in the end both Claire and her hero donor Jeff (pictured here the day before transplant) were true champions! Jeff's precious gift of a healthy kidney has given Claire new life and in just 10 months she's grown over 2" and gained 35 lbs. She has energy and strength like never before and her kidney function has been rock solid.
We're celebrating this 1-year Anniversary by raising money for the ARPKD/CHF Alliance, the only organization in the world solely dedicated to fighting for children like Claire, funding medical research, supporting and educating families and advocating for all affected. Ten years ago, when Claire was born, we felt hopeless and lost because doctors gave her little hope for survival beyond infancy. I found the ARPKD/CHF Alliance online and soon had the support of other parents, sound medical advice from professionals and a team of dedicated research doctors at the NIH. I now serve on the Board of Directors and am proud of what a small group of passionate and dedicated parents of ARPKD/CHF children can accomplish.
My goal is to raise $1,000.00 in celebration of Claire's 1st transplant anniversary and in honor of all children born with this disease. There is still no treatment or cure and nearly half of all babies born with ARPKD/CHF don't survive infancy. Those who do survive face years of disease progression, chronic illness, kidney, liver and GI complications and often multi-organ transplants. Donating through this website is simple, fast and secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts for the ARPKD/CHF Alliance.
If you'd like to learn more about what the Alliance does, visit our website at: www.arpkdchf.org or feel free to ask me any questions about our mission and goals. You can email me at: Lbevec@wi.rr.com
Many thanks for your support this past year -- we know we didn't travel this journey alone because we had the love, friendship and prayers of so many family and friends; and we couldn't have done it without you.
Wherever you are next month on December 30, 2011 (New Year's Eve) we hope you'll take a minute to celebrate with us in your heart. Celebrate Claire and Jeff, the miracle of organ donation, and the hope of making a difference in the lives of many other children living with this disease.
Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a VERY Happy New Year!
Love, - The Bevec Family