Karen Fertuck (Hultman) was diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis a number of years ago.
She has since had several life-threatening situations over the past few years which have put her at a high priority for a liver transplant. After she receives a donated liver, she will need to stay in an Edmonton hospital three to seven days, if there are no complications. After that, she will need to be closely followed up by a doctor and have regular blood tests for one to two months.
The recovery period is about six to 12 months. The transplant team may ask her to stay close to the hospital for the first three months, and she will need to have regular check-ups, with blood tests and X-rays for many years to follow.
To stay in Edmonton will be very costly for Karen. Our son had major heart surgery and a double lung transplant and he also had to stay in Edmonton for three months. Accommodations could start anywhere from $80 to $100, food will cost at least $50 per day if not more. You can budget at least $25 per day for transportation and parking, plus there will be other incidentals.
There will be a live and silent auction benefit for Karen at the Perdue Complex Nov. 19. Please come out to support Karen and Ed who have farmed in the Sonningdale, Arelee and Stuan areas for the past 30 years. Karen's family and friends would like to welcome you to come out for a night of fun and frolic. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction will start at 6:30. There will be a cash bar, dance and lunch with beef on a bun. Anyone who would like to make a donation of articles or cash, please call Connie Gunness at 237-4824. All donations welcome.
