Team Aaliyah A Gift Of Life 2020

Hello, my name is Aaliyah Messiah and I’d like to share my story of faith, family and love. Let me start out by saying I know I am a Blessed woman and I thank God daily for His love. I am a single 72-year-old grandmother raising my 19th grandchild and I am in need of a kidney transplant. In November 2016, God placed this little angel in my life. Four short months later, I lost my loving companion. Ashani was was born and she never left the hospital with her parents. Sadly, her parents’ struggles prevents them from caring for her. I’ve had her in my care since she was two weeks old and she is now a thriving, busy and loving three-year-old. As Ashani’s grandmother and legal guardian, I am currently navigating the adoption process. My prayer is to adopt her, bring her out of the system, and continue pouring love into her life. In 2017, I was diagnosed with renal disease. My doctor said I would most likely end up on dialysis and in need of a kidney transplant. One year ago, February 2019, as predicted, I went into renal failure and after being hospitalized for two weeks, I started dialysis three days per week. My health at times is weak but my faith never waivers. I prayed for a living donor. I asked God to find someone who would be the perfect match medically, and who has a willing and loving heart. Well our prayers have been answered! Did I mention I have seven children, 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren? You see, my youngest daughter, Fa’izah has been cleared and approved as a match! My life is full of love! I receive love from my family, my friends and the community I serve. For over 40 years, I have been Blessed to serve in the Seattle and King County communities. From my humble beginnings working for Central Area Motivational Program (where as a low income family, we utilized C.A.M.P services until one day I became employed by C.A.M.P.) to spending the past 30 years serving, without judgment, those living with HIV/AIDS, while working at People Of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN). At POCAAN, my role has been to educate men and women about the many facets of HIV and how to protect themselves. My job has also Blessed me to work closely with a population of people, who are transitioning from multiple incarcerations and who also have long-term substance abuse challenges. My work is to support and help them navigate their decision to change and improve their lives by becoming productive in our community. In my professional career, I have personally worked with hundreds and thousands of men, women and children, teaching, encouraging, listening, mentoring, motivating and serving. POCAAN is a nonprofit, grant driven organization. This means the salary is lower, and there are no retirement benefits. Years ago as a young mother, even when I didn’t have enough to feed my own seven children, it became very clear to me that my mission and purpose in life is to give and serve those less fortunate than myself. My work has grown within me a richness of dedication and appreciation that working with others in need can only fulfill. Did I tell you I am a Blessed woman? My gift of life kidney transplant surgery is scheduled for March 31, 2020, exactly 13 months to the date, from when I started dialysis. I am humbly asking for your help. Any amount will be lovingly appreciated. Our goal is to raise $5000 which will pay for six months of anti-rejection medication that my health insurance will not cover. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and helping us in any way you can. I love you all and need your prayers for a successful surgery and speedy full recoveries for me and my daughter. Money can be given through GoFundme or my Cash App “Aaliyah Messiah” which will not incur any fees or PayPal. Thank you again and God bless us all. ~Aaliyah Peace. Love. Cure.