Where it All Began
It all started on Halloween in 2012 when I lived in the Bay Area in California. I started to notice strange things happening to my body. I lost hearing in my left ear. My teeth felt like they were going to fall out. There was consistently blood in my urine. Next thing I knew, I passed out and was taken to the hospital.
At age 25, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (https://medlineplus.gov/granulomatosiswithpolyangiitis.html). This diagnosis would change my life forever.
Over the course of the next five years of my young adult life, I managed reoccurring flare-up's, frequent hospital stays, lost friendships/relationships, chemotherapy, infusion treatments, and a completely altered sense of my body, place, and career.
There were many times when I wasn't certain there was a chance or hope for me.
Lost Kidneys
Things escalated when in 2017, my nephrologist announced that I had become part of an even greater statistic since GPA was such a rare form of vasculitis. He told me that GPA impacted vital organs and that for me, this aggressive disease had run its course and had taken my kidneys. I would need to start dialysis in order to stay alive. He recommended also that I start the quest to find a living kidney donor, if at all possible.
At 30 years old, I began frequent dialysis. I started with home therapy, then had to experience other modalities due to GI complications. For roughly 2.5 years,I would be in and out of the hospital on hemodialysis treatments. My life remained suspended in the balance and in the hands of rotating medical professionals. Needles, medicine, low energy, tight food restrictions, fluid restrictions, depression - you name it, I experienced it and continue to.
Bright Spots
A few good things did happen, though. I discovered that being a librarian, particularly a librarian that addressed literacy and health inequities was my jam. I started rising strong through being a librarian and began being recognized nationally for my talents.
After I moved back to the East Coast and while living in Philadelphia, I met my partner. We've been together almost 5 years and married for 4. He's supported me consistently as I navigate a plethora of health challenges. He's been patient with me as we cannot start a family until I receive a kidney.
My sister had my niece, Ruby, and she lights up all our lives. Everyone loves Ruby! I'm so grateful to be her godparent and her Titi.
I was able to get an amazing job at the Medical University of South Carolina and assume responsibilities as a leader who works with others to bring health information and access throughout the Southeastern Atlantic region.
The Reality
I need a kidney. I started looking and asking in 2017, when my doctor first told me. I've had multiple close friends and family members attempt to be evaluated, but the unfortunate truth is that there was something off in each one of their cases that prevented them from donating to me, even though they had the guts to go through the long process.
"African Americans are almost four times as likely as Whites to develop kidney failure.
While African Americans make up about 13 percent of the population, they account for 35 percent of the people with kidney failure in the United States. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure among African Americans.
Learn more about the impact of kidney disease on African Americans and steps to keep the kidneys healthy." (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/race-ethnicity)
I am Type O blood. I live and work in Charleston, South Carolina. I'm Black. I'm 35 years old (I'll be 36 in April!). I want to be able to be a parent and start a family with my partner. I want to be able to continue to help others, particularly people who are experiencing similar health challenges. I want to be able to live.
The Ask
Asking is hard, but I've come this far. I've survived this much. So, will you help me by donating a kidney? Would you consider how to address the health disparities that disproportionately impact people like me from no choice of our own, but because of inheritances of genes that fight to stay alive despite the odds, inter generational trauma, and disease?
Find out more about how to become a donor at the National Kidney Donor Registry website: https://www.kidneyregistry.org/for-donors/
With a donation and the gift of life, my husband and I will gladly give back to you! Between the two of us, we could help you in return with: childcare/elder care, interior design/home reno/cleaning/organizing, career coaching, virtual assisting, tutoring, and other ways that you may think of that we would gladly give back. Again, everyone needs help and you, too, can shoot your shot for something you’ve needed assistance with by helping us!
Thank you for reading this. You can live anywhere and donate a kidney to me. Be well.
