My Fight Against Stage 5 Kidney Disease — Hope, Strength, and Health.

Hi everyone. My name is Christina Patton (Chrissy to my family and friends). I was first diagnosed with kidney disease over 20 years ago and they have been slowly deteriorating over this time. Four years ago I came down with covid-19 and since then the kidney disease has accelerated. I have a rare condition called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is a disease that causes scarring in the kidney's glomeruli, the filtering units. I've been forced to learn a lot about this disease - its origins, treatments, outcomes, etc. There are currently 35.5 million Americans dealing with chronic kidney disease. It takes a lot out of you — physically, emotionally, and financially — but I refuse to give up. I have applied for disability as well but that process has taken almost two years and there is still not decision as of yet.

I'm blessed with the emotional and physical support of family and lifelong friends for which I am profoundly grateful. As a single mom I've been able to raise three children who are now grown and

college graduates with one still in college. My parents live nearby and are retired so their resources are limited. And I have friends whom I have known for most of my life. But that's not enough. This is why I'm asking for help. I’m committed to doing everything I can to support my health, including following a strict plant-based diet to protect what’s left of my kidney function (17% left as of March 2025). I’m also committed to something bigger: spreading awareness about kidney health and inspiring others to cherish life while they have it.

I’m asking for help to afford:

*Ongoing treatments, medications and transportation to & from my appointments.

*A kidney-friendly plant-based diet which I have already started.

*Future transplant-related expenses and/or dialysis related expenses.

*Help with supplies for my Certified ESA (Emotional Support Animal) "Shadow" who is in some of the pictures with me.

More than anything, I hope my journey reminds people to take care of their kidneys and embrace life to the fullest — because our time and our health are very precious. If you’re able to donate, I’m deeply

grateful. If you can’t, sharing my story helps more than you know.

Thank you for helping me to keep hope alive.

Chrissy