Livingston Mom Needs Kidney Donor: ‘Let Me Stay With My Family’

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A Livingston resident in urgent need of a kidney transplant is putting out a call for help to the community: “Let me stay with my family.”

Gail Korkhin and her family are sharing her story in the hopes of finding a donor who can literally give her the gift of life. Now in the final leg of a years-long medical struggle, Korkhin’s kidney function is hovering at around 10 percent.

Prospective donors can find out more information on a GoFundMe campaign organized for Korkhin.

Her fundraising campaign reads:

“I was always an active participant in community life when I was a child. I participated in sports, loved going to school and participated in my community. Yet, in 1983 I learned that I was unable to conceive a child. Yet, there was hope. By the grace of God, my co-worker introduced me to my now husband Boris. He became the love of my life and after six months of dating we married in 1989. We really wanted to start a family. Five years later in 1994 I became in touch with a woman who was pregnant but did not wish to keep the baby. It was a miracle! Upon delivery, she called me again and offered me a beautiful baby girl. I was so thankful for her kind gesture that I named the little girl after her, Katherine. My dream of having a family had come true.

“By 2012, I learned I was developing kidney failure due to the long-term medicine I was taking. I went to many doctors who told me there was no substitute for this drug. Finally, in 2016, I finally discovered a doctor who offered me a new drug. It worked! No side effects and I felt better than ever. Unfortunately, my kidneys had deteriorated to the point of no return. From now on it was only the path into the abyss. My creatinine continued to rise and my filtration rate continued to fall.

“God blessed me with a wonderful family, but my kidneys kept deteriorating. I’ve been told by my nephrologist that I need a kidney transplant. I am searching far and wide, advertising on every social media network, print media and word of mouth that I need a kidney.

“God bless anyone who would be so kind as to donate life and let me stay with my family. Thank you.”

Ways to help

According to Korkhin, prospective donors can contact Renewal at 718-431-9831 or via its website.

Donation costs are covered by her insurance, and any information shared will be kept confidential with the transplant team.

Potential donors should specify their donation is for Gail Korkhin. All blood types are accepted, even if not a direct match.

Please email gailkorkhin@yahoo.com if you would be willing to participate in a zoom presentation from Renewal about kidney donation.

There are no requirements or commitments.

Renewal
Tel: 718-431-9831
fax: 718-374-6629

Website: Renewal.org

5904 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219

• See related article: 29 Strangers Donate Kidneys To Each Other In Essex County
• See related article: Essex County Mother Saves Stranger's Life With Kidney Donation
• See related article: Forever Bonded: NJ Mom Donates Kidney To Stranger

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