Sahara Young: A Fight For Her Life

Just recently 19-year-old Sahara Young-Fleming currently living in Berlin, a graduate of Berlin High School was diagnosed with stage four IgA kidney disease (IgA nephropathy / Bergers disease) which has turned her world upside down. Sahara is now on medication to keep her blood pressure under control and has been put on a strict diet to help keep her remaining kidney function up-to-par. But since her kidney function is down to 23% she is also in need of a kidney transplant.

On Top of the mounting medical bills, Sahara is not able to continue her college career or work due to her condition. Ryan, her high school sweetheart of 3 years has had to take time off of work to take her to her doctor appointments and for other testing. Ryan has been with her every step of the way. For young adults just starting out together, their strength and faith have been tested. 

Family and friends are helping in as many ways as possible. Sahara is currently on the Kidney Transplant List, and we are currently looking for live donors, but no match has been found. The waiting time on the transplant list could take up to five years. Currently, if her kidney functions start to diminish even more she will have to be put on Dialysis.  

Saraha has previously worked at IOKA Valley Farms as an animal caretaker. Sahara is a very compassionate person and that shows through her love of animals and people.

Aside from work and school, she and Ryan previously enjoy their time together as well as their love for the outdoors by kayaking, fishing, and hunting. 

As Sahara faces the most challenging and difficult aspects of her illness, we ask that as a community, you help lend emotional and financial support to her, as she goes through this difficult journey.