Kidney Transplant Recovery

Hi there, thanks for taking the time to read my story and support my family and I as we embark on this exciting new chapter!

My name is Natalie and about 7 years ago I was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease and about 2 years ago put on dialysis awaiting a new kidney. As a newly engaged 21 year old, getting diagnosed completely shocked and changed my life. Many of the personal aspirations and experiences I thought I’d have as a young adult, vanished in the blink of an eye. From being extremely active and adventurous, to how I pictured Brandon and I would be spending our first year of marriage. It was all halted and replaced with doctor’s appointments, confusing test results, and physical and dietary restrictions. I felt hopeless as I grieved a life that felt unfairly taken away.

Yet, as emotionally and physically challenging as these last 7 years have been, I have truly been so lucky and grateful for all the love and support I received from my family and friends throughout this journey. Nothing will ever prepare you as you watch your loved ones crumble at the thought of you being sick at such a young age. Going through this has given me such a profound feeling of appreciation for life and taught me to never take the little things or the people you love for granted because we just never know what life has planned. And now I am so excited to finally share that I have found a kidney match! THANK GOD.

This is all because one day in mid March of 2021 I got an email to re-interview for a management position at Supersweet Tattoos & Coffee, where I met the sweetest, most special person on earth, Carmen! Her kindness and bravery is truly God-sent. She is such a light in so many people’s lives and it has truly been the biggest blessing getting to know her and call her a friend. Carmen and I clicked instantly, from the day we met she has been the ying to my yang. After finding out about my situation, Carmen jumped at the opportunity to get tested to see if she was compatible to donate. Come to find out just 3 days before my 28th birthday, she was my PERFECT match! I was completely speechless and an emotional wreck. It was a true birthday miracle!

I am so in awe of God’s timing and hand in placing us in each other’s lives when He did. I am forever indebted to Carmen for choosing me and giving me a second chance at living the life I could only dream of until now. It’s such a surreal moment to witness your prayer being answered tenfold. I am forever grateful! So here’s to a new beginning!

To those of you who donate or share our link, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! All donations we receive will go towards helping cover medical and post-surgery expenses as Carmen and I will be in recovery for 6-8 weeks with around the clock care. Any amount you’re willing to donate to our cause would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you!