Angela Pope

Trusting in God: Dr. Pope’s Journey of Faith, Hope, and Healing

Dr. Angela Pope urgently needs a kidney transplant. For years, she has poured her heart into serving others—as a devoted family member, public servant, educator, and mentor. Today, as she faces one of the most difficult chapters of her life, she needs the same compassion and support she has so freely given. Her family and friends are raising funds through the nonprofit Help Hope Live to cover uninsured medical and related expenses. Dr. Pope chose Help Hope Live because contributions are tax-deductible and go only toward approved medical and related costs.

Dr. Pope has met every health challenge with remarkable determination. In 2011, she underwent weight-loss surgery and lost more than 100 pounds. For over 15 years, she has sustained that transformation through walking, rowing, and strength training. Her commitment reflects the discipline and resilience she brings to the difficult road ahead, but she cannot carry the financial and emotional weight of this transplant journey alone.

Dr. Pope’s kidney journey has been long and difficult. It began in 2017 with an emergency room visit that changed her life, when doctors discovered a small cancerous cyst on her right kidney. Although the cyst was removed, the cancer returned in 2024, and Dr. Pope endured the loss of her right kidney. Just months later, she received another devastating blow: her remaining kidney is functioning at only 15%. A kidney transplant is now essential to giving Dr. Pope the chance to regain her health and continue the life and work she loves. She urgently needs a living kidney donor who can help give her that chance.

Although Dr. Pope is not currently on dialysis, her need for a transplant is urgent. Her blood type is B Positive.

As she manages her current condition, Dr. Pope follows recommendations to modify her daily diet. Because she tires easily and sometimes retains fluid, she plans her days carefully to ensure she gets enough rest. Even so, she continues pushing herself to be as healthy as possible by working out with her personal trainer, Mr. Melvin Moore, at Moore Fitness in Raleigh, NC.

Throughout this journey, her faith in God has been a steady source of strength, comfort, and hope. When possible, she also enjoys going to church and spending time with the King’s Daughters prayer ministry. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

Anyone interested in exploring living donation can begin the screening process at duke.donorscreen.org or call Duke Health at 919-613-7777 and mention you are calling to support Dr. Angela Pope. When registering, select “Kidney” as the donation type.

At 62, Dr. Pope continues to lead a life devoted to service, learning, and lifting others up, even as she faces this serious health crisis. Before retiring from North Carolina State Government in 2016, she served through CJLEADS with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology. She earned a doctoral degree in Organization and Management, with a specialization in Information Technology Management, in 2014 and began teaching at the college level in 2009. Dr. Pope continues working and remains dedicated to serving her students, finding deep joy in encouraging them, celebrating their progress, and helping them believe in what they can achieve. Receiving a transplant would allow her to continue the life and work she loves, providing a source of strength and hope.

Now, after a lifetime of showing up for her family, her students, and her community, Dr. Pope needs others to show up for her. You can help in several ways: share the living-donor information above with anyone willing to explore donation; contribute to Help Hope Live to help cover transplant-related expenses; share her story; or organize a fundraiser in Dr. Pope’s honor. To assist with fundraising, please contact Dr. Pope at [email protected]. Please also keep her in your prayers as she continues trusting in God throughout this journey. Together, we can remind her that she is not facing this journey alone. Thank you for your generous support!