In 2010, Shirley was diagnosed with Macular Edema, a lack of blood to the eyes. Unfortunately, part of the process used to help treat her caused the health issues she is struggling with now. Radioactive dyes are common with MRIs, however, after an MRI during which the dye was used, Shirley developed an extreme allergic reaction. The reaction caused her kidneys to fail and she is now on dialysis. Her doctors have told us her best chance for a long and healthy life is a kidney transplant.
Dialysis is keeping Shirley alive, but she has to travel over 80 miles a day, three days a week to receive treatment. Shirley has been on a donor list for years and we are hopeful that she will receive a transplant soon, which will vastly improve her quality of life.
Transplants are lifesaving, but also extremely expensive. Even with insurance, there are lab fees, co-pays, deductibles, travel and relocation expenses, and costly anti-rejection medications that she will have to take for a lifetime. Out-of-pocket costs can be upwards of $20,000. This presents a challenge Shirley cannot meet alone.
To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in Shirley’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the South-Central Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution:
For credit card contributions, please call 800.642.8399 or visit helphopelive.org and search for Shirley Fonnest OR:
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo section:
In honor of Shirley Fonnest
Please send to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
Thank you for your support, generosity, and desire to help.
Sincerely,
The Family of Shirley Fonnest
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. This campaign is administered by Help Hope Live, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing fundraising assistance to transplant and catastrophic injury patients. Information: 800.642.8399.
