Velma Hunter Jackson

My name is Dr. Velma H. Jackson, and I am currently battling End-Stage Kidney Disease. I am receiving dialysis treatments while awaiting a kidney transplant.

My journey began in July 2023, when doctors discovered a tumor in my right kidney. My urologist recommended removing the kidney because tumors of this type are often malignant. In September 2023, the kidney was surgically removed, and I began peritoneal dialysis. Unfortunately, that treatment was short-lived due to a fungal infection that developed in my dialysis catheter. Had the infection spread to my bloodstream, the consequences could have been fatal.

As a result, I was transitioned to hemodialysis, a demanding treatment that I continue to undergo three times each week. While dialysis is essential for sustaining life in patients with advanced kidney disease, it comes at a tremendous physical, emotional, and lifestyle cost. The reality became clear: I needed a kidney transplant. So, I prayed.

When I graduated from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry, the importance of serving communities beyond the walls of the dental office was deeply instilled in me. For more than five decades, I was blessed with the opportunity to practice dentistry while dedicating myself to uplifting underserved populations. Serving others was not simply my profession; it was my calling. When my illness eventually forced me to step away from that work, I was heartbroken.

Yet, as a woman of faith, I soon witnessed blessings returning to me in extraordinary ways. After deciding to broaden my search for a living kidney donor through a nationwide digital outreach campaign, an unexpected miracle occurred. Just two weeks later, Ronald Bolden, a young man living in Arizona and originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contacted me and offered to become my donor. Ronald shared that he remembered several occasions when I had provided meaningful support and assistance to him, and he now felt called to give back. By God’s grace, he proved to be a perfect match and is currently undergoing the final stages of compatibility testing.

As I explored my transplant options, my research led me to the University of Chicago Transplant Center, a nationally recognized leader in transplant medicine. Because I have already identified a compatible donor, I am now positioned to move forward with transplant surgery through their renowned program.

However, even miracles come with significant financial challenges. The costs associated with undergoing a transplant in Chicago extend far beyond what my insurance will cover. Following surgery, I will be required to travel from Baton Rouge to Chicago weekly for three months. A caregiver must accompany me during this period, creating additional expenses for transportation, lodging, and daily living.

In addition, I will face substantial medical costs, including anti-rejection medications, infection-prevention treatments, medications to manage transplant-related complications, and other prescriptions that I will need for the rest of my life. These expenses are critical to ensuring the long-term success of the transplant.

For these reasons, I humbly ask for financial assistance from those who are willing and able to help. Every contribution, regardless of size, will help ease the burden of these overwhelming expenses and bring me closer to a healthier future.

Despite the many challenges I have faced, my journey toward a life-saving kidney transplant has been marked by faith, hope, and remarkable acts of kindness. I remain deeply grateful for the compassion, generosity, and support that have been extended to me. As each new door opens, I move forward with enduring appreciation and the belief that God continues to guide my path.