Living Kidney Donor Fund For Carissa

As a mom with a son with kidney failure since the age of 10, the world can seem tough and cold. Ron is now 24 and on the kidney transplant list. I know how tough it is finding a donor, let alone a "living donor" as I personally know three other people who have been on that transplant list for well over three years and suffering with the agony of dialysis with no living donor on the radar. I usually like to say my glass was always "half full" and that it just had "a big crack in it" and that big crack was the thought of losing my son and everything that he has to go through medically. When most people step back, one beautiful young soul stepped forward and is now a living match for Ron. If you feel led, please donate whatever you can to help with Carissa's time off work, approximately two months due to lifting restrictions, travel, hotel for caregivers, etc. while she is in hospital recovering. Carissa's sister, Mariah, wrote a beautiful message about her sister's unselfish gift and I will copy below.  We love you all and please keep Carissa and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Surgery should be on or about October 15th. Our family is so grateful and Ron said, "There are no words big enough to express what Carissa is doing for me." "I am overflowing with pride for my little sister. A few months ago we were talking about our friend Ron, who has been in need of a kidney. She questioned, “I don’t get it. Why does he have to wait so long?” “Yea well how many people do you know who have donated a kidney? There aren’t enough people willing to give.” “Well I would do it.” “Well why don’t you?” I joked. Then suddenly I saw something go off inside her and she said “Maybe I should.” I knew she was serious and I assured her I was joking, but I knew it was too late. She had her mind set, and through these months of tests she has never wavered. A couple days ago she found out she’s a match! Without hesitation she announced it to his mother, her mind made. She knew in her heart that if it was meant to be, she would follow God’s plan, and have faith that she would be taken care of. At first I was scared, but after finding out she was a match I became so excited for Ron and his family, and I had faith everything would be okay.  She has always done selfless works, such as traveling across the ocean to help orphans and lepers in India (which also scared me). She has always donated her blood. She even rescued her pup, Benny, just a couple months ago. She is always giving, and now she’s giving the greatest gift of all. Not only is she giving Ron a gift, she is giving hope to everyone surrounding them. I believe that her act and their story will inspire others to become an organ, blood or bone marrow donor. She will save even more lives through the example she’s made. I am so inspired to have a sister like you. This is only the beginning of a lifetime of helping others that you have ahead of you. If you aren’t an organ donor already, please become one! It’s the easiest thing you can do to save a life. Donate blood! Maybe even consider seeing if you are match to someone in need of a organ or bone marrow. It takes just one person to save a life." Mariah Anoceto (Carissa's sister)