Elisa Needs Your Support

Elisa's struggle began in 2008 when at the age of 26 she was diagnosed with lupus an auto-immune disease that attacks soft tissues and organs, causing inflammation, swelling, pain and other damage.  In Elisa's case, lupus attacked her kidneys.  In the beginning of 2013 the lupus took a turn for the worse and developed into vasculitis.  The disease was taking over her life, and six months later she was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease.  This meant that Elisa's kidneys were no longer functioning, and she would now be dependent on a dialysis machine to keep her alive. 

Elisa attends dialysis three days a week for three and a half hours each day.  Can you imagine what it's like to be thrity- four years old -the prime of your life for most of us- and hooked up to a machine  for more than 10 hours a week just to keep you alive?

Elisa's only hope to return to a normal life is a kidney transplant.  While the transplant gives her hope, it brings with it additional burdens.  Added to the daily struggle with the physical aspect of the disease, she now faces significant and ongoing medical costs not covered by insurance such as labs, co-pays, and anti-rejection medications.  Tranplants are life-saving but cost tremendously.  

Elisa has always been in a position where she gave herself to others.  She has always been willing to help others in a time of need.  She is now the one in need.  With the help of her community she can return to a healthy and abdundant life with a kidney transplant.