Kidney Transplant

On behalf of the Lela Campbell-Jordan family, we are fundraising for her much needed new kidney transplant. Lela is a pillar of strength for her family along with her husband Art. Together they are raising their five children ranging in ages from 7- 19. The emotional burden of such a life changing transplant that she has already endured, this GoFundMe, we hope will alleviate some of the financial burden on her and the family. We would so appreciate any and all support from Lela and Art’s friends and family.

"Right after my youngest daughter Nevaeh was born, unknowingly, I have been dealing with kidney disease with it not being diagnosed. Over the years, I have felt different, noticed that something was off and often wasn’t feeling well. My doctors suggested that I needed a biopsy. On January 26th of this year, I received a call from my nephrologist doctor that specializes in kidneys, and was told that I had been diagnosed with Neuropathy kidneys. My kidneys were not functioning properly to where fluids and bodily waste were being stored in my body. The toxicity levels in my body are very harmful to my nerves that are located outside of my brain and spinal cord. More specifically, I have IGA nephropathy. With all of that said, I was told, “Lela, you need a kidney transplant. Eight out of your 11 kidney filters are no longer functioning. Your last three are not working well.” My kidneys are currently functioning at 21% of their full capacity. If the percentage drops to 15% or below, I must start dialysis.”

Lela suffers from debilitating anxiety and panic attacks that she and Art, and along with their family and friends, are doing their best to manage. In addition to those mental limitations and struggles, this new diagnosis has had an enormous impact on the family. Lela will be placed on the kidney transplant list. Lela’s care will now be under the direction of the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix Arizona, which is about a two hour drive from their home.

This, family and friends, is why Lela has come forward with her story. A call is being put out to all to please read and share in hopes someone might be willing to help financially or consider being tested to be a living donor. Financially, donations would help support transportation funds to and from Phoenix for appointments and any accrued medical bills. Also, Lela is looking for a living donor. Typically, donations occur after the donor has died, but it is possible to donate certain organs or tissue to someone in need while still living and in the case of a kidney a person only needs one to survive. A donor would share one of theirs with Lela and still have one and continue living their normal life. If you don’t think being a living donor is the right choice for you, please at least consider registering with your state to be a deceased organ donor.

Below is a summary of what would happen should you decide to be a living donor. As Lela’s transplant team develops and Lela receives more information, we will update everyone on this platform.

Please reach out through Facebook if you have any questions or would like to help out on any other ways thanks

For general information or questions, contacting the Phoenix Mayo Clinic may help. The Mayo Clinic transplant staff can answer your questions about the transplant process and post-transplant life.

Mayo Clinic Transplant Center

5777 E. Mayo Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85054

Phone: [phone redacted]