Mona Morris

Ten years ago…

Dear Friends,

If you’re reading this letter, it’s because you are a friend (or a friend of a friend) of Mona Lisa Morris. Whether you know her as a designer, co-worker, volunteer, friend or family member, there’s one thing we can all agree on: she’s absolutely irreplaceable. Mona is a truly sincere friend — the kind of person who keeps her promises, sticks by you when you need her, and goes out of her way to lend a helping hand — and now, she needs our help.

For the past nineteen years, Mona has been struggling with lupus nephritis, an immune system disease that has weakened her kidneys, required countless surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy, all of which drastically reduced her kidney function. She’s worked hard to stay healthy and fight the disease, but over the past year her kidney function has declined rapidly. On March 3, 2011, Mona underwent a live donor kidney transplant.

In times like these, friends are more important than ever — Mona’s lifelong friend, Jenny Vann, generously volunteered to donate her healthy kidney. The good news is Jenny was a perfect match and approved for the transplant. The bad news is, the kidney transplant was a very expensive surgery, requiring clinic visits, doctor’s fees, and medications that Mona will need for the rest of her life. Many of these expenses are not covered by insurance and that’s why a fundraising campaign has been established through HelpHOPELive in Mona Lisa’s honor.

Throughout all of this, Mona has continued to work full time while volunteering for the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, AIDS Outreach, Empty Bowls of Dallas and Fort Worth (benefitting area food banks). Even as Mona’s health deteriorated, she continued to give, serving as a foster parent for her ten-year-old niece Mariah and supporting family members, despite mounting medical bills and living expenses.

We all know Mona is strong, intelligent, and tough enough to handle anything life throws at her — and with her fierce independence, she would never ask you for help. That’s why we’re asking for her. On behalf of Mona Lisa Morris, we would like to thank you for the gift of your friendship, love, support and prayers — especially Jenny, who has bravely given Mona the gift of life through the donation of her kidney.

A fundraising campaign has been established through HelpHOPELive (formerly NTAF) to help pay for Mona and Jenny’s kidney transplant surgery and the medical care that will follow. Here’s how to help, with your tax-deductible contribution: For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800-642-8399.

Thanks for your support!

The Dallas Voice: https://dallasvoice.com/lgbt-community-raises-money-woman-needing-kidney-transplant/

NBC DFW: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/woman-donates-kidney-to-best-friend-of-20-years/1911963/?fbclid=IwAR2dDnQdwUlbBxEvwnzJDoPC6zyk0gjgFCF0FVkBH6r1mzPrg4s2eLOWwf0

It’s been ten years since my kidney transplant. I’m celebrating my 47th birthday. If you’d like to get me a gift, please consider donating to this campaign. During the pandemic, I’ve been ill and also dislocated my right shoulder. My insurance covers general care but the specialists are out-of-pocket as well as hospital stays + ambulances. Any amount is welcomed or a hand made gift. I’m grateful you’re in my life. I love you, with all my heart and three kidneys.