Many of you already know Kate’s story. In October 2024, her kidneys failed and her heart was in trouble. Since then she has done dialysis three times a week, four hours at a time, along with heart procedures, eye surgeries, a failed fistula, and a long list of tests to get cleared for the transplant list. She did all of it while still showing up for everyone else, the way she always does.

Now for the good news: Kate’s transplant is scheduled for November 3rd. Her friend is giving her a kidney as a living donor. I don’t have words big enough for what that means to us, or for her friend. More of Kate’s story: KidneyKate.com

Here’s why I’m asking for help. Transplant recovery means time away from work. Kate will be out for at least a few weeks and possibly up to three months. Her short-term disability should cover about 60% of her pay. That isn’t enough to cover our bills while she heals, and recovery brings its own costs on top: medications, follow-up appointments, and everything else necessary for a safe and successful recovery.

We would normally have a cushion for this, and we don’t. The last two years have been hard on us. Last year we lost two of our dogs within about two months of each other, sadly from kidney failure (Atom) and heart failure (Buttars). They were her reason to keep pushing and brought her so much joy.

And while Kate has been fighting for her health, my work situation has been unstable, with long stretches of unemployment and reduced pay that kept us from saving. On top of that, I have an active wage claim with the state over months of unpaid wages from my employer. I’m working through the proper channels, but it isn’t resolved, and the transplant date isn’t moving.

So I’m asking for help covering the gap during her recovery: living expenses, groceries, and her medical costs, so she can rest and not worry about money. Our ultimate goal is $5,000. If we raise more than we need, every dollar goes to Kate, toward her medical bills and recovery, because this process doesn’t end at the surgery. A transplant is a second chance, and a lifelong commitment.

If you can give, thank you. If you can’t, sharing this page helps just as much. And if you have a story about Kate, send it my way, because she’d love to hear it. She’s not one to ask for help and she doesn’t like the spotlight, but this time it’s her turn.

Read her story at KidneyKate.com