Cheryl's Kidney Transplant Journey

Hello, my name is Andrea and I am fundraising for my mother, Cheryl, to help cover the costs associated with her kidney transplant.

For those who don't know Cheryl, she really is an incredible person. She has a wonderful sense of humor and is quick to become friends with every person in the room. She fiercely loves her family and friends. She is a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. Sadly, Cheryl has had to face some very difficult health conditions and now she is facing her next step on the path to recovery; a kidney transplant.

In 2007, Cheryl was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Lucky for her, it was caught early and the decision was made to remove her kidney to rid her of the disease. She recovered from the surgery and put cancer in her past. By some terrible miracle, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer in her only remaining kidney in 2022. Doctor's were baffled by this diagnosis as it is incredibly rare to have this exact type of cancer reoccur. After paneling specialists across Ontario, Cheryl's doctors determined the best chance she would have to a long life, would be to have her only remaining kidney removed and start with dialysis treatments 3 times per week to keep her alive. In April of 2023, Cheryl had her second nephrectomy and began her dialysis treatments.

After almost 2 years on dialysis, the effects have started to take hold. Cheryl suffers from intercranial hypertension, heart failure, muscle spasms and cramps, severe restless leg syndrome, brain fog, fatigue, malaise... the list of symptoms goes on and on. It became evident very early on that this was going to be a long, difficult road to a transplant.

In late 2024, after many tests, Cheryl received the incredible news that she was now eligible to join the transplant list. Soon after joining the list, she received another call to tell her to be ready as she has made the top of the transplant list. A new kidney for Cheryl means the end of 15+ hours a week spent in hospital, the ability to travel, the energy to play with her grandson and a life expectancy much greater than that of a dialysis patient. We, as a family, were overjoyed. This news has brought us hope for better days to come and a full, long life for my mother.

Logistically, preparing for this surgery is a big deal, and that's where this fundraiser comes in. The surgery will be taking place in Ottawa, Ontario. Cheryl will be required to move out of her home and into Ottawa for up to 3 months after the surgery. Fortunately, she will be able to live with me (her daughter) in Ottawa during this time. However, as I live about 40 minutes away from the hospital, Cheryl was advised by her team of specialists to plan for a hotel stay close to the hospital, for 1-2 weeks after she is released. During which time, she will need a caregiver as well as someone to bring her to her daily appointments at the hospital. Her husband, Greg, works as a transport truck driver. He does not have any paid leave for this time when his wife will need him more than ever. Since Cheryl has been unable to work since having her nephrectomy and starting dialysis, Greg is the sole financial provider. He is financially responsible for all of their living costs. This has already strained the couple financially making it very difficult for Greg to be able to step away from work to care for Cheryl after her surgery. While Cheryl is living in Ottawa, she will be forced to stay 6 hours away from her husband of 19 years, something the couple has never had to face. Your donations will help enable them to be together during this very difficult process.

On top of hotel costs, there will also be high costs for transportation between Sudbury and Ottawa, meals, as well as Uber and taxi costs to get to and from her many appointments. We are aiming to raise money to help lessen the financial burden and stress this transplant journey will cause.

As transplants are often very unpredictable, if Cheryl is unable to receive a kidney transplant, any donations collected will be given to another family facing a similar journey. Any remaining funds raised from this fundraiser will also be donated. We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity. Any little bit will help. If you are unable to contribute financially, we ask that you please share this post as we aim to reach as many people as possible to help us achieve our goal. You may also consider becoming an organ donor to help save a life.