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My transplant is scheduled for February 25!! It’s been a long and arduous journey, starting from three years ago when I was put on a waitlist. Fifteen months of getting listed at multiple centers, meeting requirements, and staying current. A year-long successful search for a living donor, and the ups and downs of approvals with COVID delays.
University of California San Francisco Transplant Center activated Rich (my donor) and on the National Kidney Registry on February 4. Miraculously, by the next afternoon, we were matched with three other donor/patient pairs and will all have our operations on the same day! The process is technologically sophisticated and utterly remarkable.
It’s very expensive. Approximately $300,000 for the transplant alone. Medical expenses after that for six months with frequent doctor visits and lab tests, with an intensive 6-week immediate recovery and prescriptions ($6,594 for one immuno-suppressant pill!!). This, followed by a lifetime of prescriptions without which my kidney will be rejected, and careful medical attention.
While I have insurance coverage Medicare A and B for hospital and doctor fees, these plans pay only 80%. I’m responsible for the other 20%. I also face more costs, for related needs that are non-medical, such as housing accommodations, travel, my support person, and meals, to name the most immediate and pressing.
So who is Anita?
I’m curious, adventurous, and a continual learner who loves conversations that explore ideas, perspectives, and solutions. I’m disciplined about staying healthy and decreasing stress, constantly doing yoga, pilates, swimming, and walking.
I value my social interactions and time spent in nature, particularly the beach which is my happy, grounding place. I love photography, art, travel, writing, and cooking. Friends describe me as resilient, smart, thoughtful, and fun, with a humanitarian spirit.
I grew up in a sweet, small southern New Jersey beach town, and for school, attended the University of Pennsylvania and UCLA Anderson. I currently live in California.
Living a life of vitality is very important to me. So is enthusiastically changing the perceptions of aging (60 is the new 40, after all.) I’m active in various communities such as the Modern Elders Academy, Wisdom 2.0, Parlay, and women’s groups. With my collaborative and strategic skills, my favorite work is business development particularly for media, technology, and start-up companies including an online travel service for women 50+ age based on my solo adventures.
The Transplant: Why?
I began taking medication in my junior year in college that over the years caused irreversible kidney damage, which is literally a life and death situation.
The only treatments are transplants or dialysis. I’m extremely fortunate that my persistence resulted in finding a living donor, through an email blast to UCLA alumni. Otherwise, the choices are waiting up to 10 years for a deceased donor kidney, or dialysis at a center or at home. Dialysis takes your life over; it’s restrictive, 4 hours/day or more plus overnight. It’s depressing, scary, and even with the dialysis, health deteriorates because no treatment replaces all the functions a healthy kidney performs, and still leaves you with low energy.
How did I end up fundraising? And what are the details?
My financial concerns have been equal to or close to my worries about my kidney failing, and a cause of tremendous stress and uncertainty.
All Centers require a legal commitment to show I can cover the financial expenses. My condition makes working problematic, and I couldn’t get a supplemental plan, as I discovered after a year of trying. Turns out that end-stage renal disease is the one condition for which insurance can be denied. I think one reason for that is that ESRD accounts for over 7% of all medical costs in the US.
The Bay Area, where UCSF is, has the most expensive housing market in the country. Expensive immunosuppressants I have to take the rest of my life, plus regular appointments and testing, are examples of other high costs I will face forever.
Help Hope Live was recommended to me by a social worker, knowing my situation. The way to raise money is by reaching out to friends, communities, social networks, and others for donations, and also asking them to amplify the message through their own outreach.
Good News: Every donation is Tax-Deductible!
A donation as small as $25 helps. And, if you have the capacity to give more, that makes an even bigger impact.
Please consider making a donation, and telling others. 90% of every dollar donated directly to my campaign is applied to pay my specific uncovered medical and non-medical expenses.
I’ll forever be grateful, from the bottom of my heart (and new kidney!) for your support. Please know, I will pay it forward in whatever ways I can.
Any questions, get in touch: abakersf@gmail.com.
Many many many thanks. xo Anita
I had my kidney transplant surgery on February 25 at UCSF Transplant Center and it was highly successful! After 3 days in the hospital, I am now home recovering, with a daily medication regimen, (rejection and infection drugs), short walks, eating more foods including those with higher protein and phosphorous levels, and managing the pain of the incision.
My kidney creatine levels are now normal! I received a donor kidney from a 30-year old woman that is A+! Because of her strong kidney, and my excellent health overall, the results have been excellent. A true miracle!
Today is my transplant surgery!! UCSF Hospital. 4:30 pm pre-op. 7:30 pm surgery. 3 - 5 days in the hospital recuperating and managing the pain and a new medication regimen. Thank you to all who have supported me and continue to!
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I'm very happy for you Anita. A whole new chapter of life begins.
Bruce Sterling
A new chapter unfolds for you. Much health and happiness.
Bruce Sterling
Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Carole Hall
Heard you had a very successful transplant, Anita. Wishing you strength and a very speedy recovery! Big hugs!!
Carol and Mark Spencer
I LOVE YOU ANITA!!
ELISABETH CROSBY
Stay strong Anita!
Anonymous
Thinking of you. Sending prayers and love ❤️ Tiffany
Tiffany James
Anita, we're thinking of you. You are strong and you will get through this challenge. Sending love and hugs to you.
Abbie & Dan
Abbie Kanner
So many are helping out I am happy to be able to contribute! Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope to see you at UCLA Anderson when it is safe to get together.
Anonymous
Anita , you are in my thoughts . I’m so happy that you have found a match. Wishing you a speedy recovery so you can come back East to visit!
Love, Nancy
Nancy Law
Good Luck Anita!
Nishi Singh
Anita! You are a superwoman - you got this! Xxxxx, C
Caroline Else Ingeborn
Very happy that February 25 you can finally move forward. Just so happens that was my dad's birthday and my eldest son's birthday (who recently graduated from same undergraduate university that you did).
ROBERT MEISEL
Good luck Anita!
Jagjit Singh
Sending hugs and prayers for you dear Anita on this health journey!
Marci Rinkoff
Anita, you've got this!
Elizabeth Shaw
So grateful to be able to help support my dear friend Anita. Your enthusiasm and resilience has always inspired me and I see you exhibiting those traits when faced with dealing with requiring a kidney transplant. Sending positive thoughts your way!
Daljit Singh
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Anita Jane Baker
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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