2017 Karen Wilkinson

KAREN WILKINSON

ACL Allograft Recipient

Naples, FL

Network Marketer for Super Food Nutrition and Cleanses

Honored by RTI Donor Services at www.rtidonorservices.org

While on the slopes skiing with her friends in 2014, Karen tried avoiding a high-speed collision. In her effort, Karen tore her ACL. What started off as a fun family vacation turned into a painful lasting impact in her life. Her orthopedic surgeon encouraged her to consider an allograft procedure to repair her ACL, and Karen knew it was the right thing to do. Karen worked in hospital and trauma settings for 15 years as a respiratory therapist for a level one trauma center where she placed patients on and off life support and assisted in the process of organ donation. Karen states that “obviously, receiving a donated ACL personally gives even more meaning to my support of tissue donation.” Karen thanks RTI Donor Services’ staff for continuing to be liaisons of the gift of life.

Karen’s Story

Just like every Christmas vacation, the Wilkinsons traveled with a group of friends for their annual ski trip. However, the Christmas trip of 2014 made a lasting impact in the life of Karen Wilkinson. What started off as a fun family vacation turned into a painful stay at a Montana hotel as Karen Wilkinson, 44, focused on elevating her knee and trying not to move it in an effort to reduce the pain in her left leg.

While on the slopes, Karen tried avoiding a high-speed collision. In her effort to try and avoid the collision, Karen tore her ACL.

Her orthopedic surgeon encouraged her to consider an allograft procedure, where she would receive a tissue donation to repair her ACL. After being longtime supporters of organ and tissue donation, she knew it was the right thing to do.

“I have always been in support of tissue donation,” she said. Karen worked in hospital and trauma settings for 15 years as a respiratory therapist for a level one trauma center where she placed patients on and off life support and assisted in the process of organ donation.
“I have always enjoyed fitness and healthy nutrition,” Karen said. “My hobbies are gardening, scuba diving, weightlifting and cardio, and cooking classes.” She is currently a network marketer for super food nutrition and cleanses.
Karen teaches Bible studies in her community and can be found hanging out as a youth group leader for teenage girls. “I am a mom to two teenage boys, and I have been happily married for 20 years,” she said.
“My husband donated bone marrow twice and all four of my family members are donors as noted on our licenses,” she said. “Obviously, receiving a donated ACL personally gives even more meaning to my support of tissue donation.”
After her accident, Karen was unable to bear any weight on her left leg. Now, she can exercise with little limitations.  “I can continue to be active as I was before the accident,” she said.
Karen thanks RTI Donor Services’ staff for continuing to be liaisons of the gift of life.