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The expenses for this life-changing procedure are extensive, and we would like to ask our friends, family, and supporters to contribute any amount possible. This fundraiser will be active until all funds have been raised. If you cannot contribute yet simply sharing this fundraiser will be a great help!
Heather was diagnosed in 1998 with Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). There are 5 stages of kidney disease 1 being normal function and 5 meaning kidney failure. She was able to maintain her diet and health while in stage 3 for the past 15 years then about 4 years ago her kidneys function went into stage 4 which required more medical interventions, more prescribed medications, and a stricture renal diet. Her kidney function has slowly been declining and has now been in stage 5 renal failure for the past 2 years. It took this long to reach kidney failure because Heather has worked hard at eating right, exercising, and staying healthy as long as possible. Stage 5 renal failure meant starting dialysis (clinical cleaning of the blood) in March 2019. Her and her partner trained at the clinic to be able to do home hemodialysis which means she would be able to go to work full time and take care of herself and family without having to go to the clinic.
She has been inactive on the kidney transplant waiting list since 2015. She will become active on the list and is waiting for transplant surgery starting October 21, 2020. It may be a spontaneous surgery or will be scheduled with a live donor. (This is yet to be determined with the transplant team at UCSF.)
The expenses needed will cover an immediate recovery period of 6+ weeks, travel costs to and from San Francisco, new prescribed medication after surgery, housing improvements to maintain safe and clean living arrangements, food, and loss of wages during the healing process. Heather will be transported by Shenae, who will be present throughout the entire recovery.
Living with a new kidney will be a completely new journey of healing for my mom Heather. Living with deteriorating kidneys for more than 20 years is not easy, and during this time she raised kids, finished multiple degrees, contended against mental health challenges, and has been working valiantly as a Substance Abuse counselor for Humboldt County for the last 7 years.
The Red Road community has been a huge part of Heather's mental and physical health progress in preparing for this next step in facing kidney disease. Friends have become spiritual family and have been INDISPENSABLE in supporting Heather. We could not be more grateful to those who love and support her.
Heather is an amazing mother and friend who deserves to experience a healthy and fulfilling life with a new kidney. She is gregarious, compassionate, quick to laugh, and brings joy to those around her by being her most authentic self.
Our family is surrounded by love, and we cannot wait to see what life after a new kidney has to offer for Heather.
Thank you for your support!
Heather was diagnosed in 1998 with Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). There are 5 stages of kidney disease 1 being normal function and 5 meaning kidney failure. She was able to maintain her diet and health while in stage 3 for the past 15 years then about 4 years ago her kidneys function went into stage 4 which required more medical interventions, more prescribed medications, and a stricture renal diet. Her kidney function has slowly been declining and has now been in stage 5 renal failure for the past 2 years. It took this long to reach kidney failure because Heather has worked hard at eating right, exercising, and staying healthy as long as possible. Stage 5 renal failure meant starting dialysis (clinical cleaning of the blood) in March 2019. Her and her partner trained at the clinic to be able to do home hemodialysis which means she would be able to go to work full time and take care of herself and family without having to go to the clinic.
She has been inactive on the kidney transplant waiting list since 2015. She will become active on the list and is waiting for transplant surgery starting October 21, 2020. It may be a spontaneous surgery or will be scheduled with a live donor. (This is yet to be determined with the transplant team at UCSF.)
The expenses needed will cover an immediate recovery period of 6+ weeks, travel costs to and from San Francisco, new prescribed medication after surgery, housing improvements to maintain safe and clean living arrangements, food, and loss of wages during the healing process. Heather will be transported by Shenae, who will be present throughout the entire recovery.
Living with a new kidney will be a completely new journey of healing for my mom Heather. Living with deteriorating kidneys for more than 20 years is not easy, and during this time she raised kids, finished multiple degrees, contended against mental health challenges, and has been working valiantly as a Substance Abuse counselor for Humboldt County for the last 7 years.
The Red Road community has been a huge part of Heather's mental and physical health progress in preparing for this next step in facing kidney disease. Friends have become spiritual family and have been INDISPENSABLE in supporting Heather. We could not be more grateful to those who love and support her.
Heather is an amazing mother and friend who deserves to experience a healthy and fulfilling life with a new kidney. She is gregarious, compassionate, quick to laugh, and brings joy to those around her by being her most authentic self.
Our family is surrounded by love, and we cannot wait to see what life after a new kidney has to offer for Heather.
Thank you for your support!