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In memory of
Karen Sue Kisner
December 25, 1951 - April 11, 2020
Dec 25, 1951 - Apr 11, 2020
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a contribution to Karen Kisner Memorial Fund.
$760.00
of $7,500 goal
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Background
Dear Friends,
At age 50, our mother, Karen Kisner, began experiencing neurological symptoms initially consistent with Parkinson's disease. Our mother lost use of her legs in 2003, followed by use of her arms in 2008. Care at home became untenable, and she entered a nursing facility. Karen lost most of her swallowing ability in 2011, so she began receiving nourishment through tube feeding. She suffered bouts with renal failure, sepsis and other frequent infections, but her intellect remained.
Karen was a fighter and was determined to carry on. She demonstrated this endurance while hospitalized in February 2020. Karen's only chance of survival was placement of a surgical stent to stop abdominal bleeding. After a brief period of reflection and prayer, our mother looked at us and said, "What do I have to lose?" She gave us our answer — continue the battle.
Although we had her guidance about the mission, we never knew the enemy. Medical testing and imaging throughout a period of almost 18 years revealed that our mother likely did not have Parkinson's disease. My brother Wes and I began to realize about five years ago that our only chance of finding answers probably would not occur until her passing. We had planned to submit my mother's brain for observation and research at UPMC's Brain Bank located within the Pathology Department. We were unable to follow through when she passed peacefully in the early morning hours of April 11, 2020, because of temporary suspension of the program due to COVID-19. We were fortunate to identify a private pathologist who performed a general autopsy and preserved the brain within the critical window on Easter morning.
We are searching for the answers that we hope can provide genetic information for us, help others battling unknown neurological diseases, and provide us with closure.
In this difficult time for us, I can’t tell you how much your support means to Wes and me. Just knowing that you’re thinking of us will help us get through.
With gratitude,
Kim & Wes Contribute
At age 50, our mother, Karen Kisner, began experiencing neurological symptoms initially consistent with Parkinson's disease. Our mother lost use of her legs in 2003, followed by use of her arms in 2008. Care at home became untenable, and she entered a nursing facility. Karen lost most of her swallowing ability in 2011, so she began receiving nourishment through tube feeding. She suffered bouts with renal failure, sepsis and other frequent infections, but her intellect remained.
Karen was a fighter and was determined to carry on. She demonstrated this endurance while hospitalized in February 2020. Karen's only chance of survival was placement of a surgical stent to stop abdominal bleeding. After a brief period of reflection and prayer, our mother looked at us and said, "What do I have to lose?" She gave us our answer — continue the battle.
Although we had her guidance about the mission, we never knew the enemy. Medical testing and imaging throughout a period of almost 18 years revealed that our mother likely did not have Parkinson's disease. My brother Wes and I began to realize about five years ago that our only chance of finding answers probably would not occur until her passing. We had planned to submit my mother's brain for observation and research at UPMC's Brain Bank located within the Pathology Department. We were unable to follow through when she passed peacefully in the early morning hours of April 11, 2020, because of temporary suspension of the program due to COVID-19. We were fortunate to identify a private pathologist who performed a general autopsy and preserved the brain within the critical window on Easter morning.
We are searching for the answers that we hope can provide genetic information for us, help others battling unknown neurological diseases, and provide us with closure.
In this difficult time for us, I can’t tell you how much your support means to Wes and me. Just knowing that you’re thinking of us will help us get through.
With gratitude,
Kim & Wes Contribute
Funds are being collected and disbursed by Kimberly Kisner.
Recent contributions
Anonymous
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Aug. 27, 2020, 7:26 p.m. PDT
Marcy & Tom Eagan
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May 11, 2020, 3:59 p.m. PDT
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April 27, 2020, 3:44 p.m. PDT
Pittsburgh Professional Women
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April 26, 2020, 2:18 p.m. PDT
Anonymous
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April 25, 2020, 3:41 p.m. PDT
MARK NAPUTANO
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April 24, 2020, 2:47 p.m. PDT
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Memories & condolences
Kim, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother - and even sorrier to hear of how much she had suffered. I hope yo…
Kim, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother - and even sorrier to hear of how much she had …
Kim, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother - and even s…
Kim , I am very sorry for your loss.
take care
Mark
take care
Mark
Kim , I am very sorry for your loss.
take care
Mark
take care
Mark
Kim , I am very sorry for your loss.
take care
Mark
take care
Mark
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a contribution to Karen Kisner Memorial Fund.
$760.00
of $7,500 goal
Show your support:
Contribute
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