From that day forward, my life changed drastically. It was necessary to adjust my activity level and limit things I loved to do such as playing basketball, going to the gym, participating in different activities with my nieces and nephews, travelling, and counseling youth to change their lives. I felt completely drained after each dialysis treatment. Professionally, I had to cut back on work, which impacted my ability to maintain employment. I felt like people looked at me differently as dialysis was necessary for survival. Understandably, depression began to set in. My only hope for a healthy life was a kidney transplant.
On New Year’s Day 2011, I was in New York City and received that phone call, “Hi, Ms. Campbell. This is UVA Transplant and we have a match for you! How fast can you get here?” 5 hours later, I was in Virginia getting prepped for surgery which took place the following day. I am grateful that my new kidney lasted for 3 ½ years. However, the combination of my lupus and pancreas issues began to attack my transplanted organ. My doctors did all they could do to save the kidney, but continued heavy doses of steroids were not medically-feasible. We then began the waiting game to see how my kidney would respond.
In March 2014, it was necessary to resume dialysis and I have been on the transplant list ever since. This has been a very tough stage in my journey. Being back on the dialysis machine for the second time has been one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I was just getting back in the groove of going on long trips, being more physically active, and building my energy up. I pray that I will again be granted the gift of life through transplantation. This is what gives me hope during these difficult days.
Transplants are life-saving, but financially devastating, especially for a second time. Although I’m currently on the transplant list, I won’t be considered active until the doctors know that my out-of-pocket expenses will be covered; They want me to have a minimum of $15,000 prior to transplant. As I cannot work a full-time job to receive private healthcare, I only have Medicare coverage. This presents a challenge that I cannot meet alone.
To help with the financial burden of my uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in my 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 of the law, are held by Help Hope Live in the South-Atlantic Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution.
For secure credit card donations, please select the “Donate Now” button or call 800.642.8399. To send a contribution, please see the “Mailing a Check?” box on this page.
Thank you in advance for your kind consideration of charitable support. Any amount is greatly appreciated, as are positive thoughts, well wishes, and prayers.
Gratefully,
Samantha Campbell
