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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.
Mary has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
All is looking good for the Kidney Transplant to take place on October 18th! It feels a little surreal to think that this is actually happening. I have been asked if I am starting to get nervous as the transplant day approaches. I really am not, probably because I am feeling confident that all will go well! I have the best possible circumstances for a transplant - a living donor, my sister, Carol who is a "perfect match", a skilled and experienced renal transplant team at University of Utah, and the best "caregivers" that anyone could hope for - Jeffrey, my husband as my caregiver and Joanne, my sister as Carol's caregiver! The many positive thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and healing from so many amazing people in my life provides great comfort and hope for all to go well. The generosity of family and friends has gone far to relieve our financial concerns. I cannot tell you how much Jeffrey and I appreciate the support we have received from so many! Thank you to all of you! A special thank you to our son, Nate and his girlfriend Ashley for volunteering to care for our fur babies, Maggie May and Luna during the 5 weeks we plan to be in Salt Lake City! This is a very generous offer, since their home and lives are already full with 3 young children, their dog, Artemis and their cat, Geebz! A special thank you to our daughter, Laura and her husband Hank! Laura has agreed to take over at our business, Life Management Associates, LLC, while we are away, which is no easy task, on top of her already full caseload! She and Hank, along with Nate and Ashley will be checking on our house and making themselves available to help out with whatever unexpected issues that may arise at home while we are away! Thank you to our wonderful LMA therapists who all willingly agreed to take over to provide therapy to my clients during my absence! Thank you to our Office Manager and Biller, who are very new to our business, yet have been working hard to keep everything flowing smoothly while Jeffrey and I are out of state!
And of course, there is no way to thank my sisters, Joanne and Carol enough for immediately stepping up to be tested as potential donors, when they heard that I needed a kidney! Somehow, Carol was chosen as my donor! It is hard to find a way to let her know how grateful I am for her giving a part of herself to save my life! I have always had the Best Family!!!
How could I not feel confident and hopeful for an amazing outcome with so much support from so many wonderful people in my life!!!!!
Update Surprise, we just found out that we have to arrive a week before the actual surgical date. Mary has to be there for pre-op testing and ensure her health is top-notch or they will send us home. Reserving an Airbnb close to the hospital is important. Getting there a week early has increased the Airbnb cost. It looks like that alone will cost between $5000 and $6000. Much more than we expected. As I mentioned before, we have to relocate to Salt Lake City, now for five weeks. This is a critical step to avoid transplant rejection.
We have been blessed with donors, yet we have a distance to go to meet our goal. Every donation no matter how much helps!
To make private donations directly to Mary, send donations to Mary Watson 2855 Kossuth St, Butte, MT 59701. Those donations are not reflected on the campaign page. *Please note that any donations sent directly to Mary Watson are not administered by Help Hope Live and therefore are not tax-deductible.
Mary will be out of work for several months, or more which means no income for her. When you work as a self-employed therapist, you only earn money when seeing clients. So neither of us will be bringing in an income from therapy as I have retired. Retirement income sucks!
To donate click on the picture of Mary in this post; it will take you to her transplant donation site. There you will see a Give or Donate button to click on.
Thank You and God Bless!
Mary and Jeffrey Watson
We are still waiting to find out if my sister, Carol will receive final approval as a kidney donor. At my last appointment with my nephrologist, GFR (level of kidney function) dropped some from the time of my last appointment, 3 months ago, but he does not have any concerns about a need for me to go on dialysis, prior to receiving a transplant. The Kidney Transplant team at University of Utah is very thorough in screening potential donors, so they had requested some additional tests when Carol met with them last month. We are expecting to hear something by this Friday, so any good thoughts and prayers for approval to move on with the transplant would be greatly appreciated! I am continuing to work, but find myself getting tired much more frequently than usual. My nephrologist ordered an iron transfusion for me, so I am hoping that will raise my hemoglobin level and give me some more energy. In the meantime, I have been staying busy with training the newest addition to our family - Luna, a female Golden Retriever. She is beautiful, but very spunky! Luna and our Labrador Retriever, Maggie May have become close friends and really seem to enjoy each other. We have received uplifting cards and donations from so many people, including individuals we have not seen for years! Thank you to all of you for your ongoing support and encouragement! It means so much to Jeffrey and I!
My sister, Carol is scheduled to travel to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City for a day of testing on July 13th. Unless the Kidney Transplant team requests additional tests, she should learn soon after if she has officially been accepted as my kidney donor. If all goes well, we are hoping to schedule the kidney transplant for late September! We were so excited to find out that we qualified for funds from the National Living Donor Assistance Center, a national program to assist organ donors with travel expenses, since Carol will be flying to and from Salt Lake City twice and our other sister, Joanne, who will be Carol's designated caregiver for the transplant surgery will be accompanying her at the time of the transplant. They both live approximately 2000 miles away in PA and air travel can be expensive! Jeffrey and I continue to be extremely grateful for the emotional, spiritual, and financial support of friends and family. We are also thankful to NLDAC and the University of Utah Renal Program, for informing us of available resources! We are especially grateful for my sisters, who both volunteered as potential kidney recipients without a moment of hesitation. Love you both so much!!!!
We just received wonderful news! My sister, Carol called me on Friday to let me know that the results of her lab work had come back and she is a perfect match. My kidney transplant team at University of Utah completed testing of 12 antigens for donor compatibility and found that we were a match for all 12! They told Carol that this is extremely rare - usually only seen with identical twins! It feels like a miracle! Jeffrey and I are feeling very blessed and grateful! We also continue to be extremely grateful for the generous donations, kind words, and prayers we have received!
Mary
Thank you so much to all who have sent uplifting thoughts and prayers! Your generous donations have also been very much appreciated!
My sister, Carol has recently moved on to another phase of the evaluation process to determine if she is a compatible kidney donor! We are hoping to hear something within the next few weeks and are keeping our fingers crossed that it will be good news! Mary
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I have been praying and will continue to pray that all goes well with the surgeries and recoveries for both of you. I am so thankful for Jeffrey and Joanne as they are with you both. Praying for all of your loved ones as they wait for good news!!!! With much love and many prayers, Roxanne
Roxanne Landis
Wishing you the best in this journey!
PATRICIA CHWATEK
Wishing you all the best & outing all good well with a speedy recovery.
Doug Singleton
Mary and Carol,
Family love like yours is inspirational. How wonderful! Prayers for you both on this journey.
Fondly,
Joan Stumpf
Joan Stumpf
You got this Mary
Ida Reighard
Prayers for you Mary!
Love,
The Kjersten’s
Anonymous
Thinking of you both and hoping the best.Blessings to the donor.
Mike and Linda
Mike Daugherty
We love you so much, Mary and Jeff, and we are so sorry that you are having to go through this. We wish we could give more! Sending you lots of love and our prayer! Jennifer, Todd, Anna, and Andrew
Jennifer Beatty
Ross and I pray for you to get the treatments you need. Your sister Joanne and her daughter, Mary, have been friends for years. As a result, we have heard much about you and your family. Hope you have many years left to enjoy your family!
Ross and Therese Cox
We humbly donate to the Mary Watson fund though we send our highest wishes for a successful medical treatment(s) for Mary to completely resolve her condition. Mary we wish you a long life and let us know if we can help.
Mitchell Rebecca Katherine Johns
Mary… I’m so sorry to hear about what you are going through. You know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I’ve always loved the times the McCartney family spent with the Dehaven’s and thinking of those times bring me such joy. So from my niece Kathleen and I… love you now and always. Cousin Diane
Diane and niece Kathleen McCartney
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Thinking of you and your family!
Erica Mandic
Mary,
I am sorry to hear about your health problems. Prayers to you and your family. May god’s strength guide you through this.
Kathy and Grace
Kathy Watson
Mary and Jeff
I’m so sorry to hear about your new unwelcome battle. I am praying that you find a donor and recover quickly. You both were are the nicest people I’ve ever worked with. God bless you both.
Susan Vian
Mary I am so saddened to hear this news. Prayers to you and your family.
Beth McCartney Matteson
Mary and Jeff, I am so surprised and saddened knowing of your challenges. God bless you both with strength and health.
Paul Stefanacci
In our prayers, as well.
Francis Haefner
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Mary Watson
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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