Candace Mays

Candace Mays was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 2000 at the age of 16 years old. FSGS is a rare kidney disease that causes scarring (sclerosis) of the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure.

Candace is the definition of a true fighter and has endured many treatments over the years. Previously Candace worked at Boeing (via Aramark) in an Administrative Assistant role. When her kidneys started failing in 2019, she had to begin at-home dialysis and wasn’t able to maintain her position. This treatment required her to be hooked up to a dialysis machine that would clean her blood for 8-9 hours a day. She relied heavily on her daughter, Madison, to help her with her treatment. In 2022, her kidneys were no longer responding to in-home dialysis. Her dialysis treatment moved to an outpatient dialysis center where she sits three times a week for 3.5 hours on a dialysis machine. Additionally, she takes 6 different pills every day to maintain her health.

Candace is the most amazing, supportive single mom to Madison, 15, who is an active participant and a strong student at her High School, Parkway West. Despite, how she may be feeling, Candace never misses an activity, a sign-up, a meeting, a fundraiser or an opportunity to give back to her community AND she does so with her bright beautiful smile and contagious energy. She’s never been afraid to jump in and provide help to others – whether it be a concession stand or bringing food to a family member in need – she always steps up for others. She also participates on the Health Unit and Usher Board at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and works part time at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Candace has been on the Kidney Transplant List for several years and she’s finally made it to the TOP of the list and we’re all praying and hoping that she gets that call any day! Currently, Candace has Medicare and she pays out of pocket for supplemental insurance. A few months after the transplant, Candace will not be eligible for those benefits anymore. Ideally, after surgery, Candace will feel healthy enough to return to full-time employment with full-time benefits. She will, however, always have to maintain and care for her transplanted kidney with long term anti-rejection drugs, low-dose antibiotics, and additional doctor’s appointments.

Please consider personally contributing or your company can donate to Candace’s fund through Help Hope Live. Help Hope Live is a non profit charity (501c3) so your contribution is a tax deductible donation. All monies collected will come through the fund to pay healthcare providers directly for the costs of Candace’s kidney transplant, anti-rejection drugs for her new kidney, and any medical needs related to her treatment and recovery.

Thank you for your support.