Help Marshall Almeida Battle Stage 5 Kidney Disease

Hi to my family, friends, clients, and kind-hearted strangers!

I'm Marshall Almeida, and I feel blessed to be here today to share my story about living with stage 5 kidney disease, managing dialysis, and waiting for a kidney transplant.

It all started about seven years ago when I began experiencing extreme back pain. I saw a neuropathy doctor to figure out the cause, but despite multiple tests and treatments—ranging from a low-potassium diet to a low-protein diet—we couldn't pinpoint the issue. After exhausting all options, my doctor finally asked me, "Tell me something I don't know."

That's when I told him—I was born a preemie, weighing just 2 lbs. 2 oz.

With this information, he sent me for a sonogram, where we discovered that while I had both kidneys, they were small, underdeveloped, and deteriorating, with cysts also forming around them.

At first, we developed a plan to slow the progression of my kidney failure through different treatments and medications while I underwent testing to get on the transplant list.

However, on July 27th, 2023, while heading to a routine colonoscopy as part of the transplant evaluation process, doctors found that my kidney function had dropped to a dangerously low level. I was immediately hospitalized for over 10 days when I received the news that I would have to start dialysis.

This journey over the past year and a half hasn't been easy. The treatments take a toll on my body, and as a barber, I've recently been unable to do the work I love. On February 12th, I was hospitalized again due to complications from my kidney disease and dialysis. Doctors discovered fluid in my lungs and significant damage to several veins near my heart—damage that could have resulted in a major heart attack. Thankfully, they were able to place a stent to repair one of the affected areas, but I will need another surgery in the near future.

While I do have insurance, I will be out of work for a while, and the costs of medical bills, co-pays, and everyday living expenses remain a challenge—especially with my upcoming procedure and the uncertainty surrounding my kidney transplant. Any support you can offer would be a tremendous help —whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing my story.

If you're interested in learning more about the transplant process or getting tested, you can find more information here: Mount Sinai Transplant Process. I understand this is a big decision, and I'm truly grateful for you taking the time to learn, consider, and share.

Thank you in advance for your prayers, kindness, consideration, and support. It truly means everything. ❤️