Lincoln elementary teacher in need of liver transplant

What seemed like symptoms of age turned into the unexpected for one Lincoln elementary teacher and mother.

“It was definitely a lot of shock, overwhelmed and some fear,” Kristin Christensen said.

The 36-year-old mother of two left the doctor’s office in June and was diagnosed with acute cirrhosis. It means her liver no longer functions properly.

The only cure is a liver transplant and now all Christensen can do is wait for one to become available on a waiting list with thousands of others.

“I could get a call tomorrow, I could get a call 6 months from now, I could get a call 18 months from now, there’s really no way to know,” Christensen said.

Christensen has been suffering from pain and extreme fatigue.

“I cramp up and I get tired very very easily,” Christensen said.

Christensen goes back next week to prepare for the school year at Randolph Elementary.

Up to three times a week, the mother of two travels two hours back and forth from her home to the UNMC campus in Omaha to keep an eye on her condition.

If Christensen were to get a liver, she would be in the hospital for 8 to 12 weeks.

“This operation, although it will be hard for our family, will ultimately be what makes things better,” Christensen said.

Christensen is encouraging the community to be an organ donor because just one person can save 5 five lives.

“That’s life changing for a family, it’s taking a tragedy and turning it into 5 gifts for five different groups of people,” Christensen said.

The reality of the liver transplant has Christensen thinking positive for not only herself but her family and friends who will always be by her side.

Organizers set up a GoFundMe page for Christensen’s medical journey.

If you are interested in learning more about being an organ donor and how to register, click here.