You've Got To Be Kidney'ing Me...

Hey friends, hey...

On July 27, 2022, following routine blood work, I received a call from my primary doctor and was sent to the hospital with end-stage renal failure....I was floored. My kidneys had stopped working and my body was filling with toxins and, before I knew it, surgeons were putting a catheter in my leg to start emergency dialysis. Many of the doctors were in shock that I presented relatively healthy with little complaint or pain. Over the course of two weeks, I underwent numerous blood tests, scans, and eventually, a kidney biopsy, which revealed that I developed diabetes of the kidneys and the only treatment for it was ongoing dialysis and a kidney transplant. In that moment, my world was ending...and it was a feeling that took a while for me to shake.

After my grim diagnosis and newly installed chest port, I was released from the hospital by the medical team, with their expectation to 'just adapt' to my new life like the flip of a switch. The stories from support group members and doctors about the kidney donation process were enough for me to just give up on everything...really and truly.

As you know, I almost never ask for help. I've always been very independent, perseverant, and strong--I am a fighter. But I knew I wasn't going to be able to do this alone so I turned to social media for help. I was overwhelmed by the support and help my community offered me. So many of you reached out to my transplant center and offered to test in order to find a kidney match. The love you showed me has fueled me to continue to fight this insane battle and, for that, I thank you endlessly.

One day, out of the blue, I received a message from, Jonathan, who is part of my Girl Scout network, indicating that he was my kidney match! COULD YOU BELIEVE IT? Because of the kindness, selflessness, and generosity of a single human, I'm being given a chance that most don’t see in this lifetime. A chance that most don’t bother to hope for after the toll dialysis takes on the body and mind.

Over the last few months, I've been prepping and testing in order to receive all the appropriate clearances to undergo a transplant and, although my body is continuing to break down at an extreme ta because of the harsh dialysis treatments, we are finally ready to move forward!

As you can imagine, not only has this journey been emotionally and physically draining, it has been the hardest financial struggle I have experienced. I turn again to social media for help. Kidney care is incredibly expensive even with insurance and I am in desperate need to assist with medical bills. So I ask that, if you can, contribute a few dollars to my fund.

Even though many of my challenges have been overcome, I have a tremendous road ahead of me. My family and I (Lily too!), would be so appreciative of anything you might be able to spare.

Thank you so much for your ongoing love and support through this incredibly difficult time! I can't wait to see you all soon, once I am recovered!

Much love,

Lammy and Lily