M. Andrew Carter's Chronic Kidney Stage 4 Journey

Hello! My name is Lexi Carter and I am the youngest of the three Carter children! My father, Mark Andrew Carter, was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in 2018, and in September we got the call that the disease has progressed to stage 4. This news has been devastating for my father as well as the entire family. When finding out the news I kept asking myself, how can I help? What can I do? The truth is there is nothing we can do at this point but just wait, pray, and ask others to advocate and assist in any way possible. I created this GoFundMe to try to advocate for my Father. I want to make others aware of the dangerous link between Diabetes and CKD. This was something that was not talked about to him up until recently if he knew how serious things were maybe we could have prevented it, or been more prepared ourselves. But that's just a bunch of what-ifs! Now it's time for action! My father's kidneys have dropped over 10% in less than a year. We are currently working with Kevin Marquez MD and Holly Jensen ARNP, DNP out of Sioux Falls, SD Nephrology at Avera. They are trying to get an emergency port placement surgery to allow him to start dialysis but with the wait times of surgeons we are still looking at a long wait time that has an unknown ETA (A non-emergency is usually a waitlist of a year!) This fund is being set up strictly in use for medical assistance for Andrew Carter. My father has been having to take days off of work to the crippling headaches and numerous other medical side effects that have been ongoing and this is just the start! He will need to be going to dialysis 3x a week in Spencer, IA (The closest Dialysis Center to him - 26 miles away) This will take time out of his ability to work and not to mention medical travel expenses. Possible hospital stays, emergency room visits, specialist appointments, and in general, the cost of medication all will add up.

Donations do NOT have to be monetary. Sharing, liking, and spreading the word are all appreciated. We are so grateful for the support team that has come together to encourage us during these dark times. While every day is uncertain we are going to keep spreading awareness, keep our heads up high, and most of all keep raising Andy (our Dad) up in our prayers. Thank you all so much for your support.

If you would like to donate, we have a Benefits Account set up in my father's name. This GoFundMe is linked directly to the account as well.

Checks or donations in person can be made at:

Benefit Account: M Andrew or Holly Carter

Iowa Trust and Savings Bank

2101 10th Street

Emmetsburg, IA 50536

712-852-3451

Also can find his artwork on Etsy; Chromabrain Studio