Sibling Love Comes Full Circle with Kidney Transplant

It didn't surprise anyone that Kari Roberts was willing to give up a kidney for her brother, Tony Bolda.

That's just the way this family works, they say.

The four siblings in the local family had always been taught to give of themselves. Their parents often welcomed needy families or community members into their homes for meals, or donated to local charities. As adults, the four siblings serve on parent-teacher associations and softball organizations, they babysit each other's children and they organize fundraisers.

When Bolda was diagnosed with a form of kidney disease called IgA nephropathy, doctors said his kidneys were functioning at 25 percent of the normal level. They were failing.

Roberts didn't waste a second. Tests showed she was a perfect match—she would give her brother one of her kidneys. He would be perfectly fine. His body would be least likely to reject the organ from his perfectly paired match.

All the medical hurdles were cleared—or his were, at least. All that stood between the procedure were 130 pounds, of hers.

"I weighed 320 pounds at the time," Roberts said.

Doctors warned that the surgery is difficult on the donor, requiring that the donor be in peak physical shape. Two years, a lot of exercise, and a low-fat diet later, Roberts is ready to hand over her organ.

She is 135 pounds lighter than the day she decided to donate.

"I had no choice but to do it, in a healthy way," she told Patch.

She walked many miles, progressing from one mile per day to today's rate of three to six per day. She limited her daily diet to low-fat foods. She worked hard, but she loved her brother more. And he knew she did.

The two have always been close, as the third-born and youngest of the bunch.

"I wasn't surprised when Kari stepped up," Bolda said. "I'm very grateful, feel very blessed."

Bolda and Roberts were floored by the community's show of support at a Circle of Love benefit held Sunday, Sept. 11 at Bartolini's in Midlothian. Oak Forest Mayor Hank Kuspa stopped by the benefit. Roberts' recovery will take roughly six to eight weeks, and sister and Oak Forest resident Kathy Rogge and the fourth sibling, Kim Bittner, planned the benefit to help offset Roberts’ loss of income, as well as help cover the cost of Bolda's anti-rejection meds. Tickets were sold at $25 apiece, with nearly 200 people attending. Guests enjoyed food, music and raffles, with prizes such as an iPad, iPod, and Bears tickets.

The event raised $116,000.

"Kari would do anything for anyone," Rogge said. "It's amazing to see the inspiration she's become to us."

Bolda was overwhelmed by the event.

"I'm really amazed by the support," he said. "It almost makes me feel guilty.

"I can't put into words how wonderful everyone has been."

The surgery will take place Sept. 20.