As some of you know, I am battling with end-stage renal disease and have been told by my doctors that my only chance for a long and healthy life is to have a kidney transplant.

I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 19-years-old and the many years of living with diabetes have taken a toll me and damaged my kidneys. Currently, I am receiving dialysis three times a week, three and a half hours each day. These treatments are keeping me alive. I am trying to be courageous, but every day is a struggle for me.

Even with insurance, there are many out-of-pocket costs such as: co-pays, deductibles, doctor’s bills, travel to the transplant center, temporary relocation housing expenses at the time of transplant and the costly immunosuppressant medications that I will need to take for the rest of my life.

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 New York Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making an end-of-year tax-deductible donation today.

Thank you in advance for all of your support and blessings during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Katrina