HELP MAKEDA BATTLE END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE AND HOMELESSNESS

My childhood friend Makeda Garvey is currently recovering from three spinal surgeries after she became paralyzed from an infection in her spinal cord. She is learning to stand and walk again and is working very hard to get well enough to take care of herself and her sweet service dog Roxy. On top of this Makeda has end stage kidney disease and and requires dialysis several times a week. Managing this debilitating illness over the years has kept Makeda from working steadily. As a result she recently lost her apartment and is homeless. I want to help Makeda and Roxy find somewhere secure and comfortable to live, and help her get the support she needs so she can concentrate on her health. All funds we raise will go towards their housing.

Here is an interview with Makeda advocating for dialysis patients who were not being fully dialyzed during Covid and were not told this by the treatment center.

https://youtu.be/Klbtxyoduh8?si=-LfX7n4Su5L8h2da

Makeda, in her own words:

My name is Makeda Garvey I am in End Stage Renal Disease and am on dialysis in Pasadena Maryland. I originally moved here to be closer to Johns Hopkins Hospital because I was seeking a kidney transplant. Based on the outcomes of my monthly testing, my doctors kept urging me to get on a list, sadly after completing the many tests required to get on the list, (again passing with flying colors) I was denied because I did not have enough of a support system in place to help me after surgery. It was a big let down. Life kept throwing punches and I kept getting knocked down, and over the years it became harder and harder to get back up. Depression set in and it was crippling, I felt alone and disconnected from the world. One of the most primal instincts we have as humans is to belong to a tribe. I have no tribe which is why I am here asking complete strangers to help me .

I used to be fun and full of life, I didn’t need a reason to celebrate but for the past seven years dialysis has taken a toll on my body and I am no longer able to do many things I used to do. In addition, due to diabetic retinopathy I lost sight in my left eye and am slowing losing vision in my right. Now I am unable to work, I filed for disability, and was denied. I am in the process of appealing their decision. Anyone who has dealt with Social Security knows how difficult it can be, they deny you on the first try hoping that you will give up. I ran through my savings and I maxed out my credit cards in order to cover all of my expenses (rent, car, health insurance). Eventually the money ran out and I was evicted. I started selling off my belongings to raise money for a night or two in a motel when I need relief from the car. I share the backseat with Roxy my service dog and best friend for the past thirteen years. She is truly what keeps me going. As you can imagine life in a car is extremely problematic for me given my condition. I suffer from extreme swelling in my legs, and I have a catheter in my chest that needs to be kept clean and dry. Being able to bathe is crucial.I have been working with the social worker at dialysis as well as DHS to secure housing but it takes time. The money will be used to get us off the street and out of my car until either housing becomes available or my disability comes through.

I realize that these are challenging times for many of us so for those of you who are unable to donate money I am also looking for encouraging words of support and even friendship. I intend to get back on the transplant list and this support is crucial. I have always championed the underdog and advocated for those who couldn’t do it for themselves, especially at dialysis. Right now I need someone to do this for me until I can get back on my feet.

Roxy and I truly

Thank you.