On her birthday in October 2014, which is Halloween, Jennette received news that was thought to be her worst nightmare. She was diagnosed with FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomeruli Sclerosis) . Even though research indicates FSGS is a common form of kidney disease, Jennette had no clue nor had she ever heard of such a disease.

Her thought was “this is a nighmare.” After an attempt at steroid therapy in January 2015 caused a severe allergic reaction, her daily life of work, church, youth and women’s mentoring, along with her family life all changed. Jennette began dialysis treatments three days a week, and was told a life of dialysis or a kidney transplant was the only way to defeat her FSGS.

Jennette or “Jenne” as she is affectingly called by her family and close friends wishes to return back to her active life as well as an participant in a non-profit organization Elect Ladies Ministries. Having had a total right knee replacement several years ago, Jenne is still in need of having the same procedure on her left knee, but cannot have that done until she has recovered from her transplant.

Even with insurance, Jenne will have many uninsured transplant-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, living donor expenses,loss of wages during the recovery period, and the costly immunosuppressant medications that she will need to take for the rest of her life.

To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in Jennette’s 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 Southeast Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. If you would like to make a contribution, please click the DONATE NOW button.

Thank you for your generous support and continued prayers throughout this journey!