Lakers Give Back

Katie Larsen

“It was not just me getting my dad back, but my mom getting her husband of 47 years, and my dad being able to see his grandkids walk down the aisle and graduate. I can’t put into words what she has given us back.”

At Our Lady of the Lakes we are a family. When becoming a Laker, you are joining a community that will always be there for you. The Knake family is a testament to this. Al and Terri Knake are parents to three Laker Alumni: Heidi (Knake) Newby, Jason Knake, and Katie (Knake) Larsen. They are also proud grandparents to current Our Lady of the Lakes students. This multi-generational Laker family is just the beginning of the story.

In July of 2020, it was discovered that Mr. Knake was in the advanced stages of liver disease. His only hope for recovery was a liver transplant. Sorrow followed joy, when a donor was found, and then subsequently fell through. With few options left, the family turned to social media , seeking help from the Laker Alumni Community, among other places, in the Laker alumni community. After 400+ shares, another Laker Alum, Janet (Whalen) Alexander came to their rescue. Janet graduated with Heidi Knake in 1992. Janet went through all possible testing and was finally approved to be Mr. Knake’s liver donor. The Knake family is beyond grateful for the generosity that Janet displayed. Katie Larsen states: “It's true what they say about Lakes - we're a family, and we take care of each other. Janet's gift is beyond overwhelming. I really have no words. She is a precious saint that is saving my dad's life. Her gift will allow him to be around to watch his grandkids grow up and allow him to fulfill his promise he made to my mom over 47 years ago: to grow old with her.”

Janet Alexander

“Jesus was willing to give up his whole body for us, and I am willing to give up a little tiny bit of my liver. I’m just following Jesus’s example. I really have become much more understanding of the dignity of life, and so I feel like this is the best opportunity I’ve had to have faith and follow Jesus. I try to do that in all of my decisions.”