Jackie Waters

Jeremiah 29:11-14 New International Version (NIV)11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

I believe this verse still has a very powerful message: God knows us personally, has a plan for us, and allows us to find hope in Him. God has a plan and though I don’t know what that plan is He has NEVER failed me!

Since the time of my original writing on this website, we made some changes. The first change is that I am now older (ha). I did change my age on the website once but that was almost a year ago. Another change is I moved Transplant centers and I am now with Mayo Clinic. Third change is my health has been steady. I am still stage V renal kidney failure, but I have additional little troubles that come along with kidney failure. I am unable to do all the things I wish I could because this disease zaps all my energy.

Despite all the struggles that come with this disease, I am so blessed to have people like you in my life! All the prayers, hope, and people who continue to cheer for me; whether a kind word, donation, attending fundraisers, and friendship. No matter how big or small, YOU, are the reason I am here. I know I am a walking miracle, thank you for all of your encouragement, understanding and support.

I graduated graphic design college, on October 27, 2012, the only online student than to finish with a 4.0. Wow, what a God thing! I love doing that but still need internship to make me better, if any ideas let me know.

The final change to date is I decided if something should happen to me (I know I am a fighter, but God has His plan too, and that is the plan I want) my children would never hear me sing again. I went to a recording studio with encouragement from Bob Forney and recorded a song. Singing brings me such joy and helps me in this difficult journey. The recording will be available soon by downloading it on your phone or computer!

Love you all!
Jackie

“This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Dear Family and Friends,

As some of you may know, I was diagnosed with end stage kidney and now, I am undergoing a transplant evaluation at Good Samaritan Medical Center. My doctors have told me that in order to live a long and healthy life, I will need a kidney transplant. At 56 years old, I cannot do all the things I wish I could because this disease zaps all my energy. Despite this immense struggle, I am constantly reminded of all the blessings in my life.

I am blessed to have family, friends, and co-workers who volunteer to help, cheer me on and pray for me! It is also a blessing to have a job full-time that allows me to to provide for my family as a single parent to three amazing children (Kevin, Natalie, & Emily) and be a grandmother to two adorable grandchildren. After my transplant, I hope to help non-profit organizations. I now have a graphic arts diploma creating art that others can use and appreciate has always been a passion of mine.

Singing also brings me so much joy and has helped me along in this difficult journey. One song and scripture verse runs through my mind each day: “This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it”. When I hear it, I am reminded that whatever comes my way, God has a plan. I may not know what that plan is, but He has NEVER failed me yet!

Despite these many blessings, I know that transplantation will present financial challenges for me. Even though I have health insurance, there are still many uninsured expenses I will have to pay out-of-pocket. Co-pays, deductibles, travel to and from the transplant center, and the costly anti-rejection medications I will have to take for the rest of my life are just of the few expenses I can expect. I cannot meet these challenges without your support.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF), a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southwest Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only.

Thank you for your prayers, contributions, and your willingness to walk this journey with me.

With love,

Jackie Vaughn Waters
623-907-0332 / [email protected]