Carol Allen Story

Local woman counts blessings and gives thanks for ultimate Christmas gift. Carol Allen had been battling a rare autoimmune liver disease, exacerbated by a myriad of other health issues, including muscle pain, weakness, diabetes and portal hypertension. She underwent what seemed like endless procedures; among them, 150 blood transfusions due to persistent bleeding, and required frequent hospitalizations and clinic visits. Her health steadily grew more fragile, and her prognosis became grave. The night of Dec. 25, 2012, Allen received the ultimate Christmas gift. The phone rang, and a liver was available. She and her husband, Okie, made the harrowing drive to Rochester in a snowstorm.