Renal (Kidney) Failure Transplant Support

Hi! My name is Kester I am fundraising for Support for the time I will be down during transplant surgery. My journey with Kidney failure started at the age of 19. I out of nowhere started to gain lots of weight. Due to my kidneys not operating as they should, I was retaining lots of fluids. I was hospitalized, and I was told my kidney count was low. I was shortly after released and prescribed steroids and diuretics to help remove the excess fluid through urine. Not too long after returning to work, at this time I was employed at Walmart in their tired lube section performing oil changes and tire replacements. If I'm being 100% honest, some heavy depression and doubt drove me to push my health issues on the back burner and continue living my life. I eventually ended up migrating away from my tire lube job and transitioned to working at a Disney resort for better income. The resort is Shades of Green (military resort) there I was doing valet bellhop. There I was working with a few friends that I have known all my life as well as with some that would become friends I know until this day! I loved this job, it helped me to keep this dark cloud that has been following me for some time behind me. I spent roughly 2-3 years working with the resort, had the same days off the whole time. I started to feel ill again, which I was definitely trying to ignore. Weeks past I was still attending work, going along with my daily routines. At the time my grandfather was still here and was pleading with me to go to the ER. Still, in doubt, I put his request to the side. One morning on my day off, at this time not in my right mind. I get up and get myself ready to head to work, way ahead of what would be my normal time to do so. I make my way there, I routinely drove to work in slides once I get there I would go to my trunk and put my work shoes on. This particular day a task (putting my shoes on) that would regularly take 2 minutes at most took me 20-30 minutes. I was struggling! Early to work once I got to the bell stand I decide to relax on one of the mobility chairs we rented out. Ended up falling asleep, and was later woken up by a friend I call my guardian angel. I'll call him S not sure if he wants to be revealed, he knows who he is. He asked why I was there at this time I realize it is my day off so I decide to head back home. S replies let me take you to the ER, of course I denied it. Turned into a light argument, in which he and another co-worker force me into S car which was pulled up onto the valet path without my knowledge. While on the short right to Florida Hospital Celebration, I attempted to talk myself out of the situation. In full disagreement with what was taking place. Got to the ER, and it seemed like God was still working in my favor by the moment because it was empty. Was given paperwork to fill out. Once I was complete, I was immediately taken through triage and saw a doctor. Of course, I went through the dreaded wait of getting results from blood work. When the doctor finally returned he asked who S was and if I was comfortable with him being present while he spoke to me. I told him, yes S was a brother. At this time I was told my kidney function was depleted, and I needed to start dialysis right away! My reply was I would go home notify my family and come back still in doubt and disbelief. Doctor's reply was would need to do this now, I won't give you much time until you are no longer with us. He was like he did not know how I was sitting here articulating a convo with him! At this point, S told me he would speak with my grandparents I needed them to go ahead and do what I need to do. I had a foley catheter placed in my groin and started treatment right away. This is the reason S will forever be that guardian angel, he could have just listened to me and let me do what I wanted, but he did not! At this time I was 21 and about to turn 22. I was doing regular treatments. 3 times a week Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Years after I started having these excruciating pains in my back where my kidneys are located. Doctors attempt to do MRIs to see what could possibly be wrong. This is when I found out I was Closter-phobic. Many failed attempts, from standing to open. Was not able to complete the time in the machine needed to get good images. Finally, my doctor came up with the solution of a pill to sedate and calm me down to attempt to complete the MRI. This worked! I was told there mass was located on my right kidney. I was told it could be benign or it could be cancer. The only way to find out was to have the kidney removed. :( I eventually did have surgery and had the kidney removed. Time has passed and the doctor did inform me it was indeed cancer, but by God's grace, it was contained in the organ so no further treatment was needed AMEN! I am now 37, and I have finally been told my time for transplant will happen this year after years on the list, then being put on hold waiting to see if the cancer would return. My surgery will be performed in Tampa FL at Tampa General Hospital. I'm currently living in Orlando, which is roughly 90 miles from door to door, which will be too much to do every other day after having major surgery. After the transplant, I will have to meet with doctors regularly for the first few months for checks ups and adjustments to anti-rejection meds. So I will have to remain in Tampa for some time, so I will have to fund housing after being released from the hospital. Also the time I will be out of work(I have kept a job throughout my whole ordeal), maintaining my responsibilities. Thank you for your time reading my story. All donations will be put to good use and greatly appreciated God bless!