Heather Tapley

I’m a 39-year-old woman in need of a kidney transplant. I’m currently on dialysis & have been for the last 5 years. I travel 35 minutes from home every other day for my dialysis treatments. This process is becoming more & more difficult due to my chronic low blood pressure & failing fistula. I’m becoming very concerned that I may be running out of options for dialysis.

I am working with a plastic surgeon for skin removal surgery due to my 300 lb weight loss. This is a surgery I will need to have before a transplant because post-transplant patients are on immunosuppressive drugs which would inhibit healing. There will be an extensive recovery as this is a major surgery. This surgery must be done out of state at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. I will be recovering there which will increase my financial burden.

I’m no longer able to work due to my medical condition. The struggle these past years with my health has caused much angst. I have been very fortunate to have the support of my family, friends & most of all my boyfriend Mickey. However, being on disability and a fixed income makes it difficult to get to my frequent appointments. I’ve always been an independent working woman. Having to rely on the help of others and their generosity is very humbling for me. I need these surgeries which would prolong my life and allow my Dad to see me live the life he’s always wanted for me. Also, allowing me to return to work as a nurse & the opportunity to pay it forward. This is where I desperately need your help!

To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in Heather’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live, 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 to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Northeast Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. If you would like to make a contribution, please click the DONATE NOW bar.

Thank you,
Heather and Family