Hello! my name is Mary. I am a 64-year-old wife, mother of two and a self-employed therapist who provides individual, couples, and family counseling.

I am the “step-grandmother” of seven amazing grandchildren, from age 4-years-old to age 21-years-old! I was born and raised in Lancaster, PA as the oldest of five children, but relocated to Butte, MT with my husband, son, and daughter in 1999. I am a lover of dogs, nature, rivers, oceans, photography, art, new adventures, and sunshine!
I am hoping to be matched with a kidney donor from my family or through the National Kidney Registry. I will need help with expenses that go along with the transplant that are not covered by insurance. I am working with my transplant team at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, approximately 800 miles away from my home in Butte, MT.
Below is my story of how I came to need a kidney transplant and why I am asking for your help.

My family and I have experienced many challenges over the years, as most families do, but my health had always been good. I never imagined that I would ever need a kidney transplant. I have none of the common risk factors for kidney disease and no family history of kidney issues. I came to learn that the cause of my Chronic Kidney Disease was a prescription medication that I had been taking for 41 years! The medication was safe and effective for me. I was told by my physician when I began taking this medication that there was a possible side effect of kidney damage, but what medication these days does not have a warning of side effects? It was my understanding that kidney damage, because of taking this medication was rare, so the benefits of this treatment outweighed the risks. I always tried to take care of my health and never had any symptoms that might have alerted me to the possibility that my kidneys were being damaged. During regular doctor visits, there were no signs of a problem – until one day when my primary care physician told me that my bloodwork showed an irregularity with my creatinine level. He referred me to a nephrologist (a kidney specialist). I was shocked when the specialist asked me how long I had had Chronic Kidney Disease! That was the first time I had heard anyone suggest that I had an issue with my kidneys! It was difficult to imagine that this could be right since I felt physically healthy and had no symptoms. My Chronic Kidney Disease has progressed to Stage 5 and my GFR (level of kidney functioning) is 15. A GFR below 15 means that I will be in Kidney Failure and will need to go on dialysis or have a Kidney Transplant.
To keep my kidneys working for as long as possible, I have gone on a Renal Diet, which includes limiting the amount of protein, salt, potassium, and phosphates in my diet. This involves limiting or eliminating all processed foods and several foods that are healthy for most people, including dairy products, meat, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
I have recently been having symptoms such as increased fatigue, more frequent urination, itchiness, muscle cramps, and tingling in my hands. I expect to eventually have additional signs of a loss of kidney function, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, being unable to concentrate, swelling, especially around my eyes and ankles, and making little or no urine.
Obtaining a Kidney Transplant is my best long-term option for continuing to live a normal life. I learned that this can be a long, complicated process. My kidney transplant team reviewed my medical history and ordered numerous tests, including extensive bloodwork, an EKG, stress tests, x-rays, a pulmonary function test, a screening by a cardiologist, and an MRI to determine if I am a viable candidate for a kidney transplant. It was exciting to learn that I had finally been approved as a transplant candidate by the kidney transplant team. Two of my siblings volunteered to be evaluated as kidney donors. Although one sister was eliminated as a donor candidate, my other sister is currently being evaluated as a potential living donor. The best-case scenario for a kidney transplant patient is to have a compatible living donor, which provides the best chance for a successful transplant and a high survival rate. If I am unable to find a compatible living donor, it is possible that I will need to remain on the National Kidney Registry for three to five years, the average waiting time for patients waiting for a kidney transplant. In that case, I will need to depend on dialysis to take over the work that my own kidneys can no longer do, until a compatible kidney becomes available.
Another big obstacle on the road to a successful kidney transplant is funding for the surgery and other related expenses. Expenses not covered by health insurance will include the cost of housing, food, and transportation needed for a stay of at least a month following the transplant for my husband (who will be my designated caregiver) and myself. We will both need to take a leave of absence from our work for one month and relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah, where the transplant takes place. This is a requirement of the transplant team as I will be seen 2 to 3 times per week for a month. Additional uncovered expenses will include insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays for medical tests required for approval as a transplant recipient, for the transplant itself, and for costly anti-rejection medications to be taken for the remainder of my life. We will continue to have bi-weekly follow-up doctors’ visits and travel costs for a 1600-mile round-trip drive, requiring an additional 2 to 3 days away from work and home for each appointment. As therapists in private practice, we do not have the benefit of paid sick time. While taking time off from work, my husband and I will still be responsible for all our normal monthly expenses, such as our home mortgage, utilities, and car payments. We have been advised by the transplant team, as well as others, that the expenses will become burdensome.
“Help Hope Live” has given me the opportunity to raise funds for my kidney transplant through their program, in my name, to be deposited in a fund that I will be able to access, as needed for a multitude of expenses connected to my transplant, relocation, recovery, and maintenance of my new kidney on anti-rejection medications. They are offering me ideas and support in organizing fund-raising events and providing me with a free website to post the story of my fight to restore my health through a Kidney Transplant. “Help Hope Live” was recommended by the transplant team and has years of experience with fundraising. I am finding that my family and I are embarking on a journey with many unknowns ahead. I have faith that we will make it through this journey safely and will have many long years together in our future. Part of this journey, one of the most difficult parts for me, involves reaching out to others to request support, in whatever way they can offer it.
It is my hope to recover fully after the kidney transplant, and after several months of recovery, return to work as a therapist, and spend many years enjoying time with my husband, children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends. I am hoping that in the future I will be able to pass on the kindness and generosity that has been bestowed on me and my family. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any donation that you can afford! Please feel free to forward a link for this page to anyone you believe may be interested in supporting “Help Hope Live” in my name.