Karen Hoyt

Type of Donation:       liver recipient

Age and Location:      Age 64 - Sand Springs, OK

Date of Transplant:           4/13/2015

Sponsor:                      Honored by LifeShare Transplant Donor Services of Oklahoma

KAREN’S STORY

Karen lives every day with a grateful spirit and the positive attitude to be an encouragement. She has always lived a healthy life despite being born with only one kidney. Karen was active in her community as a full-time teacher, volunteer, and Sunday school teacher at her church. In 2010, she learned that her liver was failing, and she was later diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus. By the end of the next year, end-stage liver failure and liver cancer loomed over Karen. As she waited on a new lease on life, Karen underwent several procedures to shrink the cancer to keep her as healthy as possible for a lifesaving transplant. In April 2015, Karen received her liver from a selfless donor; a donor that she learned was the same age as many of the students she once taught in school.

Karen is a motivation to many. She encourages others waiting to receive their life saving transplant, and she spends her time teaching nutrition classes. The classes help those struggling with kidney or liver disease learn to eat better to live a healthier life. In addition, she also serves on a variety of boards and committees to help people with health needs and those in the transplant community. Additionally, since her health was renewed, Karen is thrilled to be back in the classroom teaching full-time.

A deep joy fills Karen’s heart every day. With her second chance at life, she has been able to honor her donor, Gavin, in many ways. She is hoping that through teaching, she can make a difference in students’ lives. Additionally, she is honored to serve as a patient advocate for many organizations.

Most of all, this second chance in life has given Karen the opportunity and privilege to be involved in her grandkids' lives, and she is thankful for the chance to be a sister, mother, and wife.