Dunkirk observer obituaries4/2/2023 ![]() It’s nothing for her to put in 42 hours at work and then another 12 or so hours of dialysis in any given week. “She just got promoted to assistant manager. “Christina works full time at Family Dollar in Dunkirk,” Zampaloni explained. She is particularly worried about making the thrice weekly drive to Hamburg once snowy weather sets in. Every time you begin a session, it’s like a shock to your system - it’s really hard on your heart - and it’s just exhausting.” Kawski, who drives herself to dialysis during the week, often has to stop and find a place to rest on her way home. “Dialysis keeps you alive, but it’s really hard on your body. “I’m hoping that I’m not going to have to be on dialysis for a long time, but if you don’t get a transplant, you’re on it for as long as you’re alive,” Kawski said. Kawski would once again be able to spend her afternoons and evenings with her sons, which would be the biggest gift of all, he said. Besides eliminating the need for dialysis, a kidney from a living donor typically lasts five to 10 years longer than a kidney from a non-living donor. The waitress had no idea that a living donor was an option that would give Christina the best possible outcome.”Īccording to Zampaloni, after five years of dialysis, patients have a fatality rate of 72 to 82 percent. “We told her about Christina’s dialysis and how we are hoping for a living kidney donor. “A few weeks ago, we went to Ruby Tuesday after dialysis, and the waitress noticed Christina’s bandages,” Zampaloni explained. The couple has actually turned the Saturday dialysis into a date night of sorts, as they enjoy dinner together after her treatment. Kawski travels for dialysis to Hamburg on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to approximately 7:30 p.m., and on Saturdays, Zampaloni takes her for a third day of dialysis. It’s been hard coming to the reality that if I don’t do this, I’m not going to make it.” “You always think that dialysis is months or even years down the road. “It’s just been very stressful and traumatic,” Kawski told the OBSERVER during a phone interview while she was receiving dialysis. Zampaloni explained that 20 percent kidney function qualifies someone for the transplant list, and 15 percent kidney function qualifies him or her for dialysis. “We’re back up to 10 percent kidney function now.” Then she had to have two surgeries to prepare for dialysis,” Zampaloni explained. ![]() “She was really looking forward to what was next for her after graduation. In March, Kawski’s kidneys were functioning at 24 percent, and shortly after Kawski graduated from JCC in May with her business administration degree, she found out her kidneys were functioning at a mere 9 percent. “And I hope I can see them grow up, graduate and live healthy lives.” “Hopefully, by the time my sons are older, there will be a cure,” said Kawski. Kawski’s sons have a 50 percent chance of inheriting it, but she is hopeful because a new drug that slows the growth of cysts has just been approved. She inherited the disease from her father who passed away from renal kidney failure in his early 40s and has multiple family members who also have the disease. Kawski was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in her 20s, a progressive disease in which tumors gradually overtake healthy kidney tissue. The mother of two young sons, ages 7 and 12, Kawski is currently receiving dialysis as she waits on the donor list, along with thousands of others in the same or similar situations. David enjoyed gambling at the casino, playing bingo and was known to get a few scratch-off tickets.ĭavid is now in heaven with his parents, Richard (died 1998) and Bettie (died 1989) Taylor.įather Peter of Sacred Heart Church visited David the day before he died and gave David much comfort.Ī memorial service will be held in April 2022.ĭonations may be made to Sacred Heart Church in Lakewood, N.Y.Īrrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, Dunkirk, N.Y.His girlfriend, Christina Kawski, 42, of Dunkirk is currently living with renal kidney failure and is in dire need of a kidney transplant. We all heard stories of ice fishing, hunting, and car racing, often told with his famous laughter. He had many memories of growing up hunting and fishing with his dad and many friends in the areas from Dunkirk, to the reservation. He was a member of several Veterans Fpreign Wars organizations, including Mayville, Dunkirk, and Celoron, and also was a member of the Rod and Gun Club in Lakewood. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1967-73.ĭavid had been employed as a construction worker for Local 967 in Dunkirk. ![]() 9, 1949, in Dunkirk, and served in the U.S.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |