VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Even with the rain pouring down at Gregg Park, one runner still hit the trails to train. However, she isn’t just training for a race, she is working to keep herself alive.
Katrina Memering, 14 years ago at the age of 27, had an emergency bilateral lung replacement after multiple cases of pneumonia. Now, due to her transplant medicine, she needs her kidneys replaced.
“So, my kidneys have just stopped functioning. They’ve had enough, they’re done… So, in order for me to live a normal life and survive, I do require a new kidney,” said Memering.
However, all of these setbacks haven’t stopped Memering from staying active.
“It was really hard after the transplant to get up and keep moving, but I had to. It was done, it was over, and it was up to me to make it work,” said Memering.
Since then, she hasn’t just run one 5k, she said she has also run multiple 10ks, mini-marathons and triathlons.
Memering said she doesn’t just run for her body, but she runs for the 14-year-old donor who lost their life but saved hers.
“I don’t understand why I got to live but he didn’t, but what I can do for him is take the best care of my body as possible. And that is another reason why I’m asking someone to come forward with a kidney. That way I can live for my donor that didn’t get a chance,” said Memering.
She said running is also a way for her to escape.
“When I run, I try to think about anything but that. Just clear my head and just realize that life is more than a schedule of pills, appointments, and thinking of ways life might go wrong,” said Memering.
And for her future donor, she has just one message.
“I understand that this is a huge ask. It’s not something most people would ever think about doing, but I’m begging someone to come forward and to maybe take that chance at giving me another second chance to spend more time with my husband and my two kids. I want to see all of their first. I want to see a first date. I want to see the first one get their driver’s license and graduate high school. And I need their help to do that,” said Memering.
If anyone is thinking of helping Memering by donating a kidney, she says to call Barnes Jewish Kidney Transplant at 314-362-5365 and state you would be interested in donating to Katrina Memering.
