Kelly's incredible act of selflessness and generosity is an inspiration to all of us here at CACL Financial. We are filled with happiness to share her heartwarming story with you.
Kelly grew up in Port Carbon and now lives in a small borough outside of Pottsville called West West Terrace. She cherishes her son who lives with her; his name is Blake.
When Kelly heard about Pete's story at a Pottsville High School Football game in the Fall of 2023, her heart was immediately touched. Pete- A devoted husband, father of three adorable children, and beloved coach in Schuylkill County, required a kidney transplant. Kelly's journey to becoming a kidney donor began years ago when her own father was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Though she was willing to donate her kidney to him then, sadly he was too ill for a transplant. Kelly never forgot her desire to one day give the gift of life to someone in need.
Without even knowing if she would be a match, she set the donation process in motion, undergoing nearly a year of extensive testing and screening. Kelly's bravery, compassion and willingness to undergo major surgery to save another person's life is a shining example of the impact one person can truly have. The surgery itself was about four hours, two full days in the hospital and two weeks of recovery before getting back to work as CACL's dedicated mortgage specialist.
She reports, " I feel absolutely amazing!" For Kelly's dream of many years to be her reality, is surreal. To give the gift of life, there are no words for that. Kelly says, "If I could do it again, I would!" There are many people in our county who are suffering from kidney disease and donation is safer than most people know. Liver donation is Kelly's next adventure!
Our story began with a heartbreaking diagnosis for Pete, and a search to find him a donor to save his life. Pete was listed on the National kidney registry with an approximate 8 year wait for his blood type and just before transplant, he was at 12% function of his kidneys. When Kelly entered this journey with us, it was a true miracle, and we consider her our angel on Earth! Thanks to her life saving donation, Pete is on the path to recovery, and our three children will have many memories to come with their Daddy.
Kelly, I don’t think there will ever be words that can justify the magnitude of impact that your donation has had on our family. You are truly a hero in every sense of the word. We will be forever grateful that you saved Pete’s life. Your courageous act has had such a ripple effect on not just us, but our community. You have given so many other transplant recipient families in waiting hope that incredible people like you exist! We are so blessed to not only have been given this precious gift, but to be connected to you as such a special part of our lives!
In honor of Kelly's selfless sacrifice to Pete, the CACL Financial Board of Directors will make a $2,500 donation to the National Kidney Foundation. Kelly's story is a beautiful reminder of the power of empathy and unconditional love. We are so grateful for Kelly's tremendous act of kindness and the renewed hope she has given Pete and his family. She is a true hero and an inspiration to us all here at CACL Financial, Schuylkill County, and beyond.