Send Camryn to College

http://www.mytransplantlife.com/

My name is Camryn and I am heading to college but need some assistance.   . Growing up, both of my parents have always told me that I have a very compassionate and nurturing heart through my constant service through my church and in my community.  In 2007 my family and I were put to the ultimate test. 

Even though I fully did not understand what was going on around me, I knew what pain looked and felt like. I understood hurt. I became so accustomed to not being able to do anything and allowing stress to engulf me that it became second nature to me. What I did not understand was how our financial situation was about to change for the worse. My dad was not able to work during this time due to his illness. My parents were forced to file bankruptcy to help ease our burden of surmounting debt. We eventually lost everything
 
 I remember those sleepless nights my father had worrying about what will happen to my younger sister, my mother and I if he died due to his illness. Even though he was advised by his doctor not to, my dad accepted a full-time job to work in Nashville, TN. A few months later, my mother, sister and I were able to join him. I remember seeing the constant and tiresome struggle it was for him to work a fulltime job, endure those draining dialysis treatments three times during the week. His chronic illness took an emotional, financial and mental toll on my family.

Moving from what I considered my norm to a new way of life of depression and sickness and disease all around me took an emotional toll on me; I thought at that time that I couldn’t get used to it. I had to step up to not only be a comforter to both of my parents, a nurturer to my sister, but I had to be the light in the midst of our darkness. His diagnosis took an emotional and mental toll on us all; nine years of pain and suffering that I can never get back, but it taught me to value the life that I was given and to cherish every moment that I could with my family, because it could have been the last. There was no room for any type of selfishness because we were all we had.

I used to question if there was a God at all. If He loved us like He said He does, then why would He allow my family to undergo so much pain and suffering? I had to be constantly reminded that this was a test of my faith to see if I would continue to trust in Him to heal my father. My father tried his very hardest to see the bright side of things, we all did, but neither of us could hide from reality.

I learned how to turn the negativity that surrounded me and turn it into something positive that has inspired me to live and enjoy every moment of my life like it could be my last. I was able to look beyond myself and show that I cared for others. Although we, as a family, suffered through this hardship together, my mother tried her very hardest to make our lives seem as “normal” as possible. As a way to “distract” us from the reality of our lives, she signed me and my sister up for everything from volunteering to dance at our church.  I learned how to be a more compassionate and a more empathetic person as a result of our countless volunteering. That became a means of escape for me. Not only did I realize how much I loved making a positive difference in someone else’s life, it became a way for us to come closer as a family. I didn’t set out to but I won the Mary Catherine Strobel award and became the student volunteer of the year for Middle Tennessee.  I have also won the Points of Lights Award and am a Prudential Spirit of Community Award Winner.

 After spending four tough years on dialysis, my dad received a life-saving kidney transplant in April 19, 2011.  Even though my dad worked and had health insurance while he was on dialysis and during the transplant surgery, there had been huge medical bills due to all the co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance balances.   During this four-year period, my mom worked part time to help my dad when he was too sick to work.  Thank God the transplant was a success!  Months after the transplant my dad began to make a full recovery and even got a higher paying job.  My mom also began working full time with the local school board.  It looked like things were turning around. My parents were beginning to pay off more debt and save money for both me and my sister’s college education. 

However, our family was faced with another trial that disrupted our lives once again.  My dad was diagnosed with renal cancer of his left native non-working kidney.  He was forced to take time off from his job for because he needed surgery.  He spent sixty days on short term disability and was eventually let go from former employer.  Our household finances were greatly affected due to the lost income.  After a few operations and much needed recovery time, my dad was declared cancer free! He began looking and found another position with another company.  The silver lining is that although he is still recovering from this major surgery, he has not had to travel as much as he has in the past with his other positions.

For the past ten years, my family has lived through and endured health crisis after health crisis that has taken a toll on our family’s finances and ability to save and afford college.  

I have became very mature ove the past few years.  I have been able to face the harsh reality and being able to look outside of my own feelings and focus on the needs of others instead of my own. I have an entire life to live and many more lessons to learn, however these events in my life have already marked the beginning of my transition from childhood to adulthood.

I am now on my way to college…with your help!  I would be so grateful for all of my family, friends and for those friends that I have not met yet to help me achieve my goal!  I would use the money for tuition, books, fees  and all costs associated with getting my college degree. II plan to begin school in the fall with a possible summer course.  I want to be able to start classes without having to worry about how I will finance my education.  Getting my college education would be great way to honor my dad for all that he has done for me and my family during his illness.  This would be a dream come true and mean so much to me.  Thank you to everyone who is willing to help me pay it forward!