Life can change in an instant and for me (Ritchie Booth,51) that moment came about 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with IGA nephropathy also known as Berger Disease. 3 years later I went into stage 4 kidney failure. I began dialysis in April of 2018 and have been going 3 days a week ever since. I have managed my disease over the years by attending my dialysis sessions and following my doctor’s recommendations. My doctors have confirmed a kidney transplant is needed and I am ready for one. Having this disease has changed my life in so many ways.
Before being diagnosed with this disease I was able to provide for my family. I have been married for 28 years, I have 3 daughters and 1 son, and in 2013 was blessed with a grandson. I worked as a janitor from 1990 to 2002. I then got my CDL and began a long career as a truck driver until 2018. Ever since I got diagnosed I have not been able to work and have had to live off of disability. It’s made surviving and living very difficult. It’s hard watching your family struggle knowing an illness you can’t control is stopping you from providing for them.
It has also affected things I enjoy doing in my pastimes. I like playing drums, bowling, and fishing. Due to the amount of time I have to spend doing dialysis treatments and how much they drain my energy it is a rare occasion that I have the time or energy to do any of these things not just with my family but for myself.
I’m ready to feel back in control of my life, prepared to go back to work, support, and spend time with my family like I used to. I never knew how much was involved in getting a transplant. As I face this difficult journey I am reaching out to you, our community, for help. My transplant will take place in Lexington Kentucky and there will be a lot of expenses that need to be covered such as hospital expenses, copays, medication, transportation, and lodging.
My family and friends are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live in my honor, Ritchie Booth to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation. I chose 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. Your generosity can make the difference between struggle and success. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please share my page on your social media platforms. Every donation, every share, and every act of kindness brings us closer to a new beginning.
