Victoria: A Heroic Kidney Donor Saves Her Uncle

Hi, my name is Staci Gillis. I wanted to do a fundraising campaign for my niece Victoria Morgan. Victoria is a single mom of three, trying to further her education, working to provide for her children and doesn't have reliable transportation. With all of these challenges, she has stepped up on my husband‘s behalf to donate a kidney to him. Our 28-year-old niece is more concerned about her uncle than her own future right now. I just want to give her the world in which I can’t afford.

Dear Family, Friends, and Kindhearted Strangers, We are reaching out to you with hearts full of gratitude and hope. Our niece, Victoria Morgan, has made a selfless decision to donate a kidney to save my husband's life.

My husband, Willie, has been battling end stage renal disease for several years and is on home dialysis 24/7, which is quite extreme compared to the typical three to four days a week in-center dialysis for most patients.

We are incredibly grateful that Willie was just cleared by the medical board at Tampa General Hospital and is

approved for a kidney transplant. Victoria, who lives in Georgia, put her life on hold when she heard the news. Her mother and sisters have come together to care for her children so she could travel to Florida and focus on helping Willie. After three consecutive grueling days of testing at Tampa General Hospital, we were overjoyed to learn that Victoria is a perfect six-out-of-six match.

Victoria's selfless act of kindness and love has given Willie a second chance at life. This match means he will need fewer immunosuppressant drugs to fight kidney rejection, resulting in fewer side effects and a more comfortable post-transplant life.

Tampa General Hospital has made special arrangements for Victoria and Willie to have their surgery immediately to accommodate Victoria’s young children and their summer break schedule. Their pre-op testing is scheduled for June 20, 2024, with the surgery on June 25, 2024.

Victoria has always been there for her friends and family, offering her love and support without hesitation. Her act of generosity and courage is a true testament to her character. Despite the daily challenges she faces as a mother, student, and provider for her children, she has chosen to give the gift of life.

In her hospital psychosocial evaluation, she stated that she knew Willie would do the same for her and she wanted him to be healthy so he could enjoy and be there for his three young grandsons. What a beautiful spirit she has. Now, Victoria needs our help.

Not only is she a hero to our family, but she is also determined to build a future for herself and her children. She is pursuing an accounting degree with the hopes of becoming a CPA. We want to give her the support she needs to complete her education and achieve her dreams. We are not wealthy people, but we are rich in love and appreciation for the sacrifice Victoria is making for her uncle Willie. That’s why we are reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for your support.

This life-saving surgery means she will have to leave her home in Georgia and essentially give up a memorable summer with her children. Victoria will have a recovery period of six weeks here in Florida. Full post-recovery is generally 8 to 12 weeks before she can return to her normal activities like lifting her young children, going back to work, and attending her school's fall semester. This period of recovery will place a significant financial strain on Victoria, as she is a single mother.

Your generous contributions will help cover: - Travel expenses for Victoria and her children - Living expenses during her recovery time - Childcare while she is recovering - Assistance with medical expenses (Medicare will cover the transplant surgery and post-op visits, but not additional doctor's appointments if needed) - Final educational expenses so Victoria can pursue her dreams of becoming a CPA.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in Victoria's life and help ensure she can focus on her recovery without the added stress of financial worries. Let’s come together to uplift this incredible young woman who has given so much to our family.

PS. Victoria had no knowledge of my desire to put together a fundraiser on her behalf. She came forward as a loving niece who merely wanted to help her uncle. I did tell her once they were approved and surgery was scheduled. I needed some photos of them together for my fundraiser before she went home to Ga.

Since Victorias arrival for testing at TGH I can see the light in my husband‘s eyes, the energy he has this week has been profound. I know that look, and it is a look of hope and joy! He sees an end to suffering and a hope to healthier days so he can enjoy his retirement years!

God bless our sweet Victoria!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and generosity.

With deepest gratitude,

Willie & Staci Gillis