My name is Miriam Gauldin. I Still need your help.

I Received a new Kidney on Oct 6, 2011 (my 2nd birthday).

I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) due to hypertension in 2006. Since receiving this life-changing diagnosis, I have had to endure dialysis three times a week. Due to kidney failure, I have struggled through many medical complications, deadly infections, and hospitalizations and a transplant was my only chance for survival.

Despite all of those health issues, I’ve tried to lead a normal life. I went to work. I went to dialysis. Then I went home. I have been an advocate for getting tested; know your risks. My co-workers and family members are listening. Several have changed their lifestyles. One made the gift of life to donate 2 kidneys after tragedy struck his family. He said he thought of me when making that decision. I thank him on behalf of all transplant patients.

I did my part to stay healthy and I got the call for a transplant on October 6, 2011 at 4:30pm Needless to say I was running on empty, but I made it.

I spoke to a social worker who talked to me about the out-of-pocket expenses associated with transplants. Despite having insurance, many of my medical needs are not covered. The additional Medicare co-pays and premiums create another hardship for me. The substantial, uninsured costs such as the lifelong immunosuppressant medications, hospital visits and follow-up care that I will need to have to survive the transplant are becoming a burden, as I’m not able to work due to my immune system. I’m living now off of donations from my fellow co-workers. As a single parent living paycheck to paycheck you learn to budget down to the last penny. I know it will get better but at this moment in time I cannot afford any of these things. I desperately need your financial assistance.

To offset my costs, a fundraising campaign has been established through HelpHOPELive. HelpHOPELive is a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for thirty years. All donations will be used only for my transplant-realated expenses. Your tax-deductible donation will be greatly appreciated.

Please make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive

Note In memo section:
In Honor of Miriam Gauldin

Please send to:
HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087

If you prefer to make a credit card contribution, please call 800-642-8399 or select the DONATE NOW button.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and assistance.

The Gauldin Family
[email protected] or 253-945-9577

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. This campaign is administered by the HelpHOPELive, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing fundraising assistance to transplant and catastrophic injury patients. Information: 800-642-8399.
Information relating to the financial affairs of HelpHOPELive, Inc. is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents is 1-800-332-4483.