Julie Heitkemper

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN JULIE’S LIFE.
Let me introduce you to our friend, Julie, a Ramona resident of eighteen years. She is a wonderful lady facing some tough times as a single mother of three who was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Julie has struggled through many medical complications and hospitalizations over the past thirteen years, as the cysts on her kidneys grew, causing her kidneys to fail. Julie was placed on dialysis and eventually had to have both of her kidneys removed. She has travelled to Escondido three times a week for the past ten years for her dialysis treatments. These treatments physically exhaust her and the travel is a financial strain as Julie’s poor health keeps her from working.
As Julie’s health continues to decline, her doctors have told her that her only chance for better health is to undergo a life-saving kidney transplant — a transplant is her only chance at a long life! She is currently on the active waiting list at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the only center that can provide her with the necessary care.
Funding this life-saving operation is a monumental task. Even with insurance, Julie will have many uninsured medically-related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, doctor visits, travel and relocation, and the expensive immunosuppressant medications that she will need to take for the rest of her life. These expenses present a financial challenge that Julie cannot meet alone.
To help offset Julie’s uninsured costs, a fundraising campaign in Julie’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF). HelpHOPELive is a non-profit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for more than 28 years. Contributions are administered by HelpHOPELive for uninsured transplant-related expenses only. You can help make a difference in Julie’s life. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help Julie reach her goal.A few of Julie’s friends are in the process of organizing a few fundraising events. If you would like to contribute your time or talent, please contact Gina Meng @ [email protected]. Or if you would like to have your e-mail address placed on a “Friends of Julie” list, again please contact Gina.

Sincerely,

Joanne Rivera (Julie’s friend)

Lisa Jauregui Gina Meng Dorinda Kelly