South Hempstead neighbors in need

Local family in need

Local art teacher Kathy Burns, who had a multi-visceral organ transplant in late November, receiving a new stomach, pancreas, duodnum and small intestine had been doing well but recently suffered a setback. According to her husband Brian, the couple were airlifted back to Pittsburgh (where she had her surgery and had been recuperating) this past weekend. Kathy has double pneumonia, an intestinal blockage and a blood infection. Although she is expected to recover, it is not known how long she’ll have to stay in Pittsburgh.

Brian said that his family is more in need of financial help now than it was before. They have been receiving a number of medical bills and had to pay up-front for the trip back to Pittsburgh. He said the air company will submit its bill to the Burns’s insurance company but they don’t have coverage for transportation.

Anyone wishing to help the family can send a donation to Brian and Kathy Burns, 329 Cedar Street, South Hempstead, NY 11550 or visit the website of the National Transplant Assistance Fund at www.ntafund.org. Any donations to NTAF must be made in honor of Kathy Burns so it will be credited to her account.