Prior to the transplant, I suffered thru multiple strokes, open heart surgery and was living with end-stage kidney failure. Now I can focus on recovery. I look forward to returning to work and continuing on with my volunteer work and helping others as much as possible.

Yet, with the celebration, the continued financial burden remains. One of my main concerns is for Jeff. As my donor Jeff has out-of-pocket expenses for the testing, travel and relocation during the transplant since he is from out of state. In addition, even with insurance it does not cover the expensive anti-rejection medications I will need for the rest of my life.

To help offset these uninsured costs, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive , a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All contributions are tax deductible, are held in the Northeast Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.On behalf of my son Drew and myself, thank you for your continued support, generosity, kindness and for the opportunity to live a long, normal life.

Tracey Kennedy