Kris is a firefighter in the Twin Cities, MN. He has spent his life serving and helping others. An unexpected illness has forced this firefighter to retire and fight a different type of battle.
Late October 2016, Kris experienced acute kidney failure. Tests revealed that a failing kidney was just a portion of his full diagnosis. He actually had stage 3b kidney disease as a result of his kidney failure. Tests also showed a small unknown spot on his liver that is potentially cancerous.
Battling this diagnosis has been difficult for Kris and his wife Andrea. His failing kidneys have forced Kris to retire from the fire department. Now his days are filled with repeated trips to the Mayo Hospital for testing. These trips can require 4-day stays and a lot of patience. Despite the setback, they are committed to getting Kris placed on a transplant list and finding a kidney donor.
Homes for Heroes Specialist, Heidi Herda, wanted to help Kris and Andrea during this difficult time and brighten their spirits and holiday. Heidi presented the family a gift of $500 on behalf of Homes for Heroes. The family will use this money to pay their accumulating expenses and hospital bills. Other members of the community have contributed by bringing meals, attending a benefit for the family and supporting them through Facebook and CaringBridge.
“I am honored to give the couple a little something on their way to Mayo. Kris and Andrea were more than grateful for the support from their community. They feel the love and the support from the community which is a wonderful thing. They are definitely not taking this journey alone.” ~ Homes for Heroes Specialist, Heidi Herda
Kris will return to the Mayo Hospital mid-December for a few more tests. Because Kris has a unique blood type, the waiting list for a donor is much shorter. Andrea continues to be a great support system and has a cheerful sense of humor through this whole experience. We will all be praying and hoping that Kris will be ready to be added to the transplant list.
