08/06/2023
This is from Marlene Larrabee 's adoptive mother.
I am Marlene's adoptive mother and want to share her story with you. Marlene came to the United States from El Salvador to our family when she was 12 years old. She was diagnosed in her late teens with a hereditary nephritis. She very gradually lost her kidney functioning.
Marlene received a kidney transplant from me in September 2001, which was amazing since we were not all genetically linked, we did not have the same blood type. She avoided the need for dialysis at that time and thrived after the transplant, despite the challenges of taking multiple medication and being immunocompromised. That kidney transplant worked well for 20 years, then gradually failed, necessitating Marlene to start on renal dialysis in the fall of 2021.
Marlene now goes to dialysis three times a week, which has been challenging due to multiple problems with her fistula surgically placed in her arm and the many temporary ports and other parts of her body she has had to endure. Despite problems with muscle cramps during dialysis, nausea extreme fatigue, a restrictive diet she maintains a positive attitude. She used to enjoy working in the dietary department at Mayo Regional Hospital for many years until COVID pandemic made it too risky for her to be in the healthcare setting due to the Immunocompromised. Marlene is active and has many interests and is looking forward to receiving a transplant and being off dialysis so she can feel better again. Marlene has already been on the transplant list for a deceased donor for a while now, but it could take several more years. If you are interested in being a live living donor. You can find out more information at www.kidney.org. This is the National Kidney Foundation. Even if you not are not compatible with Marlene, you could be in an exchange program with other Incompatible pair at the same time to help Marlene and another person receive a needed transplants. If you are unable or do not wish to be a living donor, please spread the word about Marlene's need for a transplant. Please also encourage everyone to register to be listed as an organ donor on their drivers license. There are many people on the waiting list for organ transplants of all kinds, and you could have the opportunity to change many lives.
Sincerely, Susan Folks. Hatton. Marlene's mother.
