#TeamTosh- On The Road To A Transplant

Hi, my name is Toshimia Redd. I am 32 years. Like many young girls, I dreamed of settling down with my Prince Charming and holding my children in my arms. I love to cook, and I am the first to bring my culinary creations to any gathering of friends and family. I have worked hard to be independent and to achieve my goals, but unfortunately my body has gotten in my way. I have suffered from diabetes since I was 15 years old, after being diagnosed I came home and was hit by a car. I then had to learn how to walk again. I am no stranger to hospital rooms due to complications of having diabetes. In the interim I still managed to work, go to school and still contribute to life and society. Three years ago, I was scared but excited to learn that I was pregnant with my son, Jahmai. The pregnancy put stresses on my body that I was not expecting, and Jahmai was born too early to survive. As I worked through my grief after losing him, my medical issues worsened. I began retaining outrageous amounts of fluid, causing such stress on my joints that walking became difficult and my toes were all broken. After months in and out of the hospital, it became clear that my kidneys were failing.

Since March of 2013, I was diagnosed with kidney failure. I have been getting dialysis treatments three times a week, for 4 1/2 hours each time. This has made it impossible for me to keep a job, so I have needed to survive on the pennies per month that I can get from disability. This is not the life I want, and I find myself trying very hard to hold onto my trademark sense of humor. My bills are piling up as I work toward getting a kidney transplant. A few people suggested that I turn to this site for help with my medical and living expenses. I hesitated for a long time, because I have always prided myself on being independent. I am learning, however, that there is no shame in asking for help. I will continue to be unable to work for almost a year after my transplant, but I have every intention of getting back into the world as soon as I can. I hope to eventually grow a business from my culinary talents, and maybe to even settle down with that Prince Charming.

If you are able to help me I would greatly appreciate it. I am working so hard toward getting healthy, and I look forward to one day being able to reach out and help others. Thank you for considering my request.