Joanna McCray

You Can Help Make a Difference

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your support during my journey to get a new kidney. Your donations literally helped give me a second chapter in life.

It’s been over a year since my transplant (June 12, 2018) at Duke University and I am doing well, but I am asking for your support again.

I still need to fundraise to pay for those expenses not covered by insurance. My anti-rejection medication is very expensive and I take many many medications to keep my kidney healthy and functioning. Insurance does not cover everything, which is why I still have to fundraise to help pay for medication, co-pays, travel for follow-up appoints and more. Any help that you can provide is so welcome. Read on if you want to know more about my journey. Thank you.

My Story

My name is Joanna McCray and I grew up in Miami, Florida. I relocated to Columbia, South Carolina in 2003 to be closer to my grandchildren.

In 2013, I was diagnosed with kidney disease due to complications associated with my blood pressure medications. I am currently on dialysis and will continue to be until I am able to have a kidney transplant. I am presently listed for transplantation at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. I am also pursuing a transplant evaluation at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

This new challenge has redirected my life on an unexpected path. Prior to the diagnosis, I was working full-time while pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree. Due to my illness, I became unable to work. Additionally, the diagnosis interrupted my studies, but it did not stop me from completing my degree. I eagerly look forward to pursuing every opportunity that awaits me once I receive the gift of a new kidney.

Transplantation is life-saving, but financial draining. I have been prepared for significant out-of-pocket costs including travel expenses, lodging for my caregiver, post-transplant medications, and miscellaneous medically-related expenses. I am required to secure funding for such expenses prior to being cleared for the final procedure. I have been trying to save the funds, but it has proven to be very difficult. Thus, I am humbly asking for your assistance.

To help with the financial burden of uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established in my honor with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to help patients and families in need for more than 35 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are held by Help Hope Live in the South-Atlantic Transplant Fund in my honor. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for medical expenses. Please consider making a donation.

For credit card contributions, please select the GIVE button or call 800.642.8399. Or:

Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live

Note in the memo section:
In honor of Joanna McCray

Send it to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087

I want to thank you in advance for your prayers and donations. With your help and my faith in God, I know there is Hope in front of me.

Gratefully,
Joanna McCray