Kristen Sands

For the past several years, my health has gradually changed my life in ways I never expected.

I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes since I was a child. Over time, it has led to complications that eventually resulted in kidney failure. I began dialysis on August 7, 2025, and I’m now working toward a kidney-pancreas transplant.

I’ve been working toward transplant because I want the opportunity to move beyond a life organized around dialysis, the limitations that come with kidney failure, and the many ongoing medical appointments associated with long-term diabetes. I’m hopeful about what that could mean for my future, but getting there will involve some significant expenses.

Some of these expenses are medical, but many are the practical costs that come with the transplant process—travel to the transplant center, lodging when I need to be nearby, meals and other everyday expenses while I’m away from home, and other uninsured transplant-related expenses.

Because the transplant center is several hours from home, these costs can become substantial, particularly during periods when I need to remain close to the hospital.

Asking for help is difficult for me, but I’ve reached a point where I need to allow myself to accept it.

I’ve created this fundraiser through Help Hope Live, a nonprofit organization that helps people raise funds for uninsured medical expenses and related costs. Donations will be managed through the organization and used for eligible transplant-related expenses. Contributions may also be tax-deductible for donors, subject to applicable requirements.

If you’d like to contribute, any amount is appreciated. If you’re not in a position to donate, there is no expectation that you do. Simply taking the time to read my story and understand what I’m going through means something to me.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what it means to ask people for help with something this personal. In the end, I’ve come to realize that being willing to receive help is also part of moving forward.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for caring enough to be here.

If you’d like to help, you can click below 👇

With gratitude,

Kristen