Emily Cross

Hello friends!

I am writing to ask for your help. In December 2009 my life with my husband Sam and 8-month-old daughter Ruby was changed forever. After an E-Coli infection, I developed a life-threatening blood disorder called TTP-HUS. Thinking I had a routine infection, imagine my surprise when I remained in the ICU for over three weeks. TTP-HUS is triggered by the body’s immune response to the infection, and causes the platelets in blood to shred and spread clots throughout the body. Often these clots travel to the brain and kidneys. In my case, these clots caused my kidneys to fail.

Two treatments are available for kidney failure: dialysis or an organ transplant. Dialysis cleans the blood of toxins and removes excess fluid that is normal function of healthy kidneys. I have dialysis three times a week, about four hours per session. Although life-saving, dialysis is not without risk. In 2010, I developed endocarditis from a blood infection that originated in my chest catheter, which was used to provide dialysis. I was in congestive heart failure and too weak to climb stairs, pick up Ruby or change her diaper. In October of 2010, I traveled to the Mayo Clinic for successful open-heart surgery to repair two weakened heart valves.

I am happy to report that I had a successful kidney transplant on February 1st, 2012 from a living donor! I returned home to my family about a month after transplant. In order to keep a transplanted kidney functioning, I will require a lifetime of medicine and follow-up care. I take three immunosuppressants, and recently switched to a monthly infusion called Belatacept. This replaces Tacrolimus, which was causing considerable side-effects for me. I’m tolerating Belatacept well but it is expensive, around $250-$500 out of pocket a month. Even with health insurance, our family has substantial expenses including co-pays, deductibles, management of immunosuppressant complications, travel for the transplant check-ups and lodging at the transplant center for my family and myself. We simply cannot meet the financial burden of a kidney transplant without your help.

A fundraising campaign has been established for me with Help Hope Live. Help Hope Live is a nonprofit organization that has provided assistance to transplant patients for 35 years. Donations received by Help Hope Live are administered to the designated individual exclusively for transplant related expenses not covered by insurance. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Please consider making a contribution.Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Emily Cross