Dear Family and Friends:

For those of you that know me, you all can attest to my love for my family, my fur babies and my giving heart.

Over the last few years I have been challenged by obstacles that I would not wish on my worst enemy.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease and it has progressively got worse over the last few years.

Currently, I have Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease with only 3% kidney function remaining. I tried to slow down the progression by losing weight and incorporating a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle but that just wasn’t enough. Unfortunately my kidneys are at the point of no return.

In late February 2024 , I had a PD catheter placed because my kidney's could not hold on much longer. Unfortunately in May of 2024 I had to start daily dialysis treatments. I am very thankful I can do these treatments at home during the night, while I sleep.  I hook up every night before bed and stay connected for 8 hours. It doesn't hurt at all and I actually feel much better than I have in long time. Although I am thankful to be alive, I just hate that I have to depend on dialysis to live.

Things are definitely looking bright, in March of 2024, I was able to be listed on the kidney transplant list at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, AR. Unfortunately the wait time for a transplant is months to YEARS. To try and expedite the process of getting a kidney faster, I am going through testing to be listed at hospitals in Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The out-of-pocket costs for travel, medications and being out of work can be extraordinarily expensive and extremely stressful. Just to give an idea of treatment costs, my daily dialysis treatments are $5,000 a day! That is 150,000 a month! Just to live..

Yes, donations will pave a path towards full recovery for me and help with expenses but ultimately the goal is to receive a kidney. If you or anyone you know is interested in being a donor PLEASE consider reaching out to me or visit  https://apps.uams.edu/LivingDonor/prescreen

Email: [email protected]

Thank you again for all  your love and support.
Sincerely,
Jessica