Main fundraiser photo

Belinda's Kidney Transplant Fund

Donation protected
We are Dawn, Crystal, and Kathleen Reno, the daughters of Belinda Reno. Many of you know her, but for those of you who don’t, she is woman with a big heart who has spent pretty much her entire life caring for others and their loved ones in her role as a nurse and a caring human being. We can’t remember a time when our mom hasn’t gone out of her way to try to help someone if she is able. But when someone is busy taking care of others, they often forget to take care of the most important person, themselves.

In 2010, our mom was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease and has been on the active kidney transplant list with the Virginia Mason Transplant Center in Seattle for almost 3 years. As all mothers do to protect their children, she downplayed how serious her condition was. Earlier this year we were told she had reached Stage 5 CKD, meaning her kidneys have lost nearly all of their ability to function effectively.  At this point, our options are eventually dialysis or a kidney transplant in order for her to live.

Our mom is everything to us. We lost our father to lung cancer back in 2014. She provided tremendous strength and support for him and our family through it all while battling through her own health issues; there was no question she would fight this just as hard as our dad fought his cancer. Like the daughters they both raised, we knew we needed to give it our best shot to fight this with her and keep her around as long as we can. After months of numerous tests, screenings and waiting, we were blessed with the news that one of us is a perfect candidate for kidney donation. Kathleen has bravely accepted to proceed with donating her kidney.

Just recently, we were able to officially set a transplant date in August. It’s an anxious time for us as each day brings us closer. Because these are very serious surgeries for our mother and sister, we are setting up this fundraising campaign to help offset the enormous costs associated with the transplant. Even with their insurances, there are large expenses (including copays, transportation, housing, loss of income, etc) that will be difficult to cover. Following the surgery, after-care is crucial as they are both required to stay in Seattle, each with a personal caregiver and away from home up to 6-8 weeks for monitoring and numerous follow up appointments.

Our mother is the most incredible and strongest person we know. We are asking that you please donate what you can and spread the word. All funds you donate will solely be used to cover the costs associated with the surgery, medications, and other expenses related to Belinda and Kathleen’s recovery. We also welcome any thoughts and prayers as their surgery approaches. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us using the contact link on this page. We cannot thank you enough for your help and support.
Donate

Donations 

  • Marna Cessnun
    • $450
    • 6 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Dawn Reno
Organizer
Ketchikan, AK

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee