A lifetime caregiver, mother, and grandmother, Nikki is now the one in need. She’s in end-stage kidney failure, unable to work, and hoping for a living kidney donor. Every donation helps relieve the financial strain and gives our family hope for more time with her.

My mom, Nikki (Nicole), has spent her entire life caring for others. She’s the person everyone turns to in times of crisis — whether it’s family, friends, or even members of her community. Her heart and compassion have touched so many lives, but now she’s the one in critical need of care and support.

Nikki is currently battling end-stage renal failure, along with lifelong diabetes and other serious health challenges. Her condition has worsened to the point that even simple daily tasks — like walking, eating, or thinking clearly — have become incredibly difficult. Some days, she struggles just to breathe. As of today(October 28th, she is having emergency chest port dialysis at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

She’s been to the emergency room twice in just a few days (October 25th and 28th) as her symptoms continue to progress. Her doctors have made it clear: she urgently needs a living kidney donor to improve and extend her life.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, patients who receive a living kidney transplant often live 10–20 years longer on average than those who remain on dialysis — and they experience a much better quality of life. A successful transplant would give my mom the chance to spend more time with her loved ones and regain some of her strength and independence.

Our family is doing everything we can, but this has taken a huge toll emotionally, mentally, and financially. Nikki can no longer work or drive, and her medical needs continue to grow.

I’m asking for help from anyone who is willing and able — to contribute toward:

• Medical care and upcoming treatments

• Transportation to and from medical appointments

• Living expenses, groceries, and bills

• Support for the income she has lost due to her illness

As the holidays approach, I’m praying for a little bit of normalcy and peace — to share moments of comfort and togetherness as a family, without the constant worry of how we’ll manage her care or expenses. Your kindness and generosity could help bring us that peace this season and give my mom a bit of the joy she’s given to others her entire life. She's made it a tradition to decorate the Christmas tree together as a family for as long as I can remember and she really enjoys this part of the holidays and baking homemade cookies with recipes past down from generations.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference. Even sharing this page or sending a prayer means the world to us.

I’m praying for more time with my mom — for her to receive the care and compassion she’s always given so freely to others. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, donating, or sharing. Your kindness gives us hope during one of the hardest times of our lives.

With love and gratitude,

Alaina