A kidney for Arabella

In August 2020, tests confirmed my 6-year-old Arabella has end stage renal failure. She is now active on the UNOS donor list and we pray every day for a miracle. On October 1 2020, we learned that Bella will now need to start on dialysis. She will have a catherer put into her chest cavity and need to be taken into the clinic for dialysis at least 3 times a week for 3-4 hours at a time. With dialysis treatments and endless doctor visits, I have already dropped out of school and will be quitting work to be a full-time stay-at-home mother to ensure she receives the best care possible. 

At 6 years old, no child should ever have to endure this many doctor’s visits, this many blood draws, this many specialist visits. When her teacher asked her virtual class how they were feeling today, everyone else said tired. Bella said she was sad. She said she was sad she had to leave her class to go to yet another doctor appointment. We didn't know that this doctor appointment was going to be any different than the others. We didn't know that this was going to be the time where they tell us she will never be the same again. She will have to be on dialysis now until she has a kidney transplant.

A living donor will be her best chance at survival.

Arabella was never granted a proper chance at life being born with bilateral kidney dysplasia and chronic kidney disease. She has always been in >0.01% of her height and growth charts. My baby has fought for 6 long years, but her little body is giving out. And I know her tiny body will not make it if she stays on dialysis too long. But advertising and searching for a living donor requires so much time, attention and money. We will have to cover whatever our insurance does not cover for Bella, as well as her future donor. We are asking for your help in any way you can in the search for a living kidney donor, basic necessities, medical bills, etc.