by Our Director of Development
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When our daughter was born we had no idea she would eventually have to go through all she has. She spent a few days in the NICU, but it wasn’t till they did one more final exam that they decided she needed an ultrasound before they could discharge her.
Caroline had enlarged kidneys that the doctor could feel on physical examination. It was then, a neonatologist came in and delivered devastating news. That was back before we had any clue what the outcome, different severity levels, and prognosis would be.
We met our pediatric nephrologist when Caroline was just 11 days old. He was exactly who we needed to see. He didn’t scare us with medical terminology we didn’t understand, we didn’t leave there terrified that we would lose our daughter before we even had a chance to get to know her. We left there relieved, empowered, like we had the right people in our corner to help us navigate this new life we were beginning.
It didn’t take long before all our friends and family asked us what we needed, what they could do to help us. We didn’t need anything:) she was stable, we had our support system, people to give us breaks if we needed it, but with all the knowledge and terrifying information, we brought her home, and she was “normal”! She had a daily bp med, a few other specialists, but we were good!
That still didn’t stop people from wanting to help, get involved and do something, so in 2012, when Caroline was only 18 months, we decided to host a golf outing. Our friends and family love to golf, and also love to support good causes! Great combination:) and they felt they were helping us as well! It was a win for everyone! We titled it, Caroline’s Crew!
In 2015, we had our third child, who also was diagnosed with ARPKD/CHF. We had grown into “Caroline’s Crew… and Aaron’s Too!” This August will be our 8th Annual Golf Outing! It is an event that our friends and family look forward to every year. And even when our kids are stable, a way for people to show their love and support for our family!
Our family and friends have raised over $30,000 in the past 8 years for the ARPKD/CHF Alliance. If we could do that, anyone can do that!
This past year, I joined The Alliance in a development position and have turned my passion for putting together events into helping others do the same!
If you are interested in holding an event to benefit the ARPKD/CHF Alliance, please reach out to me! I would love to help set it up, get it started and help you run it.
Think of what we could do together! The ARPKD/CHF Alliance’s ability to do good and support research is ONLY limited by funding. Feel free to call/text/email me with any questions for getting your family and friends involved in a great cause!
Betsy Pruzinsky
(586) 216-7480
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