![Earl Katelyn pickel](/kidneychain/images/people/Earl_Katelyn_pickel.jpg)
“We didn’t go looking for this. We didn’t ask for this, but just the same it found us. Life is going to deal you adversity. I told my daughter that at some point in your life, you’re going to face something that’s going to define who you are. I never dreamed that that adversity would come at the tender age of 18.
“I knew that was coming for my daughter, but I never thought it would come before mine did.
“I just wanted to help get my daughter back on track, and I think she’s well on her way. As a father, you’re always proud of your children. She makes good grades. I was proud of her when she won her karate tournament. But I have been impressed with the way she’s handled this adversity. To see the inner strength come out in her that I didn’t know was there, I just beam with pride. And I know that pride is not a good thing, but I’m sorry. That’s just the way I am. I’m her daddy, and I’m 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, and if you don’t like it, tough.”