As many of you already know, I have been battling polycystic kidneys for over 12 years. In addition I have been on the transplant list at Allegheny General Hospital for over four years. As a result of this disease, I am doing home dialysis eight hours every night to stay alive. A transplant is now my only chance of survival.

I have three loving boys, Matthew 12, Michael 9 and Daniel 4. They, my husband, David, along with my faith in Jesus are helping me to survive this journey. David works very hard every day. As I am unable to work at this time he juggles his work schedule to help with the children and the house.

Despite having insurance there are many medical needs that are not covered and must be paid out-of-pocket. The lifelong immunosuppressant medications which I will need the rest of my life will only be partially covered for three years. This presents a challenge I cannot meet alone.

To help offset my uninsured costs, 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 contributions are tax-deductible, are held in the Mid-Atlantic Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. It is not easy to ask for your donation but you can help make a difference in my life. Receiving the gift of life comes with a costly price tag.

I thank you for taking the time to read this letter and any prayers or contributions are greatly appreciated.

Alicia Phillips