Cindy Mit

As most of you know, over 12 years ago I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythemotosus, and shortly after I was also diagnosed Lupus Nephritis, both of which are autoimmune diseases that attack healthy cells and tissue in my body, particularly in my kidneys. For many years, I was treated with several medications to treat the effects of lupus. When I turned 23, however, the medication stopped working and over the next few years doctors tried multiple other medications to no avail.

In November 2014, I was admitted for a routine kidney biopsy. After a week in the hospital, my doctors discovered that the damage to my kidneys was severe and that the latest round of medications was no longer working. Subsequently, my health spiraled out of control. I had so many toxins in my body that I couldn’t eat and I slept almost the whole entire day. I was admitted for emergency dialysis and after four treatments, I felt like me again. With improved kidney function and major diet changes, I thankfully do not have to be on dialysis at this point. However, my doctors have told me that a kidney transplant is in my future and is the only cure for my condition.

I am in the process of searching for a kidney donor and once a match is found, I can move forward with transplant. This transplant will save my life, but will also be extremely expensive. Even with insurance, I will have several out-of-pocket costs, including travel to and from the transplant center, co-pays and deductibles, and the anti-rejection medications I will have to take for the rest of my life.

To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive. To make a tax-deductible donation, click Donate Now.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!