Blood Drive December 13th at VGCC

Pat:

After surviving heart failure, an implanted heart pump and two heart transplants, Pat Kelly had run out of options. His immune system was rejecting his second transplanted heart—just as it had the first—and Pat was not considered a candidate for a third transplant. The antibodies his body created were in his bloodstream, attacking and threatening to destroy his replacement heart.

To help protect his new heart and extend his life, Pat receives plasmapheresis treatments. Blood taken from Pat is processed through a centrifuge to remove the plasma, which contains the antibodies. New plasma from blood donors is mixed in with Pat's red blood cells, and the mixture is then returned to Pat's body.

The plasmapheresis treatments work well, and Pat has resumed coaching the youth baseball teams he loves. With Monica, his wife of 21 years, and their two sons, Pat embraces every single day. "We live for the moment, day to day, just enjoying the small pleasures in life," he says.

Next KNK sponsored blood drive will be on December 13th at the Village Green Community Center, 12:00 – 6:00. All KNK members, who are able, are encouraged to donate. Support one of the club’s ongoing projects while you are helping another person enjoy a fuller life.