Many of you know that I am suffering from end stage renal failure. I have been on dialysis three days every week for the past 10 years. While this is keeping me alive, it has truly taken away my independence. My doctors at Swedish Hospital Medical Center have told me that my only option is a life-saving kidney transplant.
I am a 63 year old mother of 4, grandmother of 8 and great-grandmother of 2. I am truly a person who loves life. Prior to my illness, I worked full time and was involved in my community. Since diagnosis and being on dialysis, I have been unable to work and do many things I have always been able to do. I look forward to going back to work, becoming involved in many things and enjoying all of you, my family and friends. I have finally made it the top of the national transplant waiting list and hoping to receive my transplant soon.
Not only is a transplant major surgery, it is also very expensive. Even with insurance there are many expenses that must be covered out of pocket. Some of these are co-pays, deductibles, airfare to Seattle and travel to and from the hospital. I also need to cover room and board for myself and a caregiver while I am recovering from the transplant and I will be on a life-time of anti-rejection medications. This puts me up against a challenge I cannot meet alone and desperately need your help.
A fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Northwest Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution.
Thank you very much for all of your generosity, support, kindness and prayers.
Stephanie Pickeral
907-764-3113
pic.007@hotmail.com
