2016 Kerry Carpenter

KERRY CARPENTER

Kidney and Pancreas Recipient

Age 43 ~ Olathe, Kansas

Student of Life

Honored by cshs.org

Born with a developmental delay & deaf, Kerry Carpenter has faced many challenges in his 42 years.  He loved being with his family & deaf community in Kansas but in 2012 juvenile diabetes had ravaged his body.  Unfortunately, doctors said he’d need a kidney transplant. His sister, Renee Cline, was fortunate to be a match and able to donate her kidney. This life changing event opened up a world of opportunity for Kerry, including another transplant!! Two years later he received a pancreas transplant from a anonymous donor, freeing him from his diabetes. Kerry is so grateful for his anonymous donor, sister, and the medical staff and caregivers who’ve helped along the way.

Kerry’s Story

Born with a developmental delay & deaf, Kerry Carpenter has faced many challenges in his 42 years.  He loved being with his family & deaf community in Kansas but in 2012 juvenile diabetes had ravaged his body.  Unfortunately, doctors said he’d need a kidney transplant. His sister, Renee Cline, was fortunate to be a match and able to donate her kidney. This life changing event opened up a world of opportunity for Kerry, including another transplant!! Two years later he received a pancreas transplant from a anonymous donor, freeing him from his diabetes. Kerry is so grateful for his anonymous donor, sister, and the medical staff and caregivers who’ve helped along the way. He is now making new friends in school and can be found exploring Hollywood. Kerry is honored to represent Cedars Sinai Compressive Transplant Team on this year’s Donate Life Rose Parade float.