SHAHRYAR IQBAL

Two and a half years ago, Shay Iqbal was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease IgA Nephropathy. We had no idea he had this; there were no symptoms and the only way we discovered this was medical care for a nonrelated issue. The disease had been there for quite some time, attacking his kidneys to where he had very little function left. Shay underwent chemotherapy to stop the progression of the disease. We quickly discovered that all efforts to preserve kidney function were futile and that Shay would need to start dialysis and would need a life-saving kidney transplant.

Shay, a husband and father of four wonderful children was facing the prospect of waiting many years on a transplant list for a deceased donor kidney. Two and a half years from diagnosis, we are three weeks from transplant, because of the generous sacrificial choice of a fellow church member who will be a live donor for Shay.

Even with insurance, there are many expenses that are not covered including temporary relocation expenses to stay in Chapel Hill for the transplant and initial recovery period, caregiver expense and the costly immunosuppressant medications that Shay must take for the rest of his life. Shay will be unable to work for four to six weeks while recovering.

To help with the financial challenge of Shay’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his 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 South-Atlantic Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only.

To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

The constant love & support from all our friends & family have been amazing to us, thank you for everything!

Gratefully,

Shay & Robin