Dear Family & Friends:
As most of you may know, in March 2012 I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure and immediately started on dialysis treatments. I am currently going to dialysis three times a week for three hours a day. This is the only thing keeping me alive. Even though I am doing fairly well on this treatment, it prevents me from being able to work, enjoying recreational activities with my children, and traveling without complications. It consumes the majority of my life.
I have been undergoing a medical evaluation at Tampa General, where my doctors told me that my only real shot at a long, healthy, and productive life is to receive a kidney transplant as soon as possible. I have an angel willing to be my living donor—a blessing for which I am extremely grateful.
Unfortunately, there are several medical expenses that are not covered by insurance for both me and my donor. Even with insurance, there will be many out-of-pocket costs, including travel to and from the transplant center for me and my donor, doctor visits, copays, and the costly anti-rejection medications I will have to take for the rest of my life. All of this presents an challenge I cannot meet without your assistance.
To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southeast Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution.With each and every donation I am truly grateful and appreciative.
Sincerely,
Niefiesta Leigh-Turner
(518)-229-5269 / [email protected]