Last May, I tried to give blood for the local blood drive, but couldn’t because my blood pressure was way too high. The next two months after that I underwent numerous blood draws, a kidney ultrasound, a CT scan with contrast, and multiple doctor visits. The diagnosis was clear and life-altering: Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. This means that my kidney function is at 26%, and I will need a transplant within the next 2-4 years. This is caused by both of my kidneys developing incorrectly, specifically my left kidney, which is approximately the size of a one-year-old’s.

Managing this condition has changed my day-to-day life, and I now monitor my potassium and sodium intake carefully and constantly consider how every choice may affect my health. I am on the inactive kidney transplant list, so I am not currently looking for a kidney; however, I am beginning to fundraise due to transplant-related expenses. I eventually will need to get a second transplant, and all fundraising proceeds will benefit COTA in my honor to assist with transplant-related expenses.  While this is incredibly difficult, your support is so helpful, and I truly appreciate it! 

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.