My husband Elijah has been living with end stage renal disease (kidney failure) for a few years now. He was on hemodialysis, and now peritoneal dialysis treatments, 8 hours every night. Our goal is to get him a transplant as soon as possible. I’m his wife, Anna. I will be a donor, no matter if I am a match or not. If I am not, I will be donating my kidney to an exchange program which will get Elijah a match from someone else quicker than just remaining on a list, waiting. 

There are costs associated with this situation and these procedures. Medications, travel, childcare, making up for lost work income.  Recovery time is about 6 weeks.We need to ensure that the time we will both be in surgery and recovering, our children have what they need to get through this. 

Like most, we were hit hard by COVID. Elijah’s hours were furloughed for almost 2 months when this all began, then he was on part time, which dwindled down to no hours at all. We lost our apartment. He’s been denied unemployment. I keep appealing that decision. 

We are currently in a temporary housing situation. 

This year I decided to keep our boys home for extra precaution, but next year they will go to Kindergarten. I can’t say for sure when Elijah will get a transplant, but I’m holding out for sooner than later. 

It has been the most pressing time in our lives. 

If you know me, you know this isn’t like me. Asking for help is humbling. We’ve been doing this on our own since the boys were babies. But with these recent hospital trips, and this past year, something’s gotto give. 

I just want him to get his life back. Kidneyfailure is hard on the body. It’s hard for me to watch what he goes through daily. But how hard he pushes gives me hope. 

Any contribution is so greatly appreciated. Even well wishes, prayers, advice are all welcome as I know these have been trying times for everyone.

Thank you for hearing our story. I can’t wait to post a photo of us in the recovery room!



A little extra for those interested:

We’ve been married 15 years.

We had a little girl, Areli, in 2011 who only lived a few hours due to complications. 

Elijah loves and creates music.

I love and create clothing.

Cypher (5) wants to be a builder. Legos are his favorite right now.

Sage (4) wants to be a ninja and an artist.

We all love nature, learning and exploring together. 

And we have a 15 year old chihuahua named Mila.

I’ll be vlogging  a bit and adding updates to this as they come.

Thanks for taking the time to read our story!