“Best friends are the ones you choose to be your family. The keeper of your secrets, the one you don’t hide anything from.” Unknown

I’m creating this this fundraiser for my best friend Erika, who is fighting an insidious genetic disorder called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) . I’ve known her for over 30 years and can unequivocally say this world is a better place with her in it. She has been a single mom since 2007 when her children’s dad passed away and in 2017, she tragically lost her son Adam. Her daughter Anna has been by her side throughout everything and has shouldered more responsibilities than a 22 year old should. Despite all Erika has gone through, she is determined to focus on the good in her life and I will do anything I can to help ease her mind.

Nearly 7 years ago Erika was diagnosed with PKD, which causes fluid filled cysts to attach to the kidneys, greatly diminishing their function over time. It often causes other health issues to arise, including high blood pressure, formation of aneurisms, heart disease, diabetes and anemia—all of which she is currently battling. At her last ultrasound her kidneys were so enlarged that the technician wasn’t able to capture an image of either one in its entirety, both being the size of footballs and thought to weigh between 20 and 30 lbs each. Her kidney function is now below 10% and on February 17, she underwent surgery to place a peritoneal catheter so she can start dialysis.

While being on dialysis means automatic addition to the transplant list, the wait could be up to 7 years for a deceased donor kidney. She remains hopeful that she’ll be able to find a match on her own, but must first complete several health tests/screenings.

Due to the progressive nature of PKD and its toll on her body, Erika has not been able to work for some time and her savings are quickly depleting. As a self-employed nail tech, she is not eligible for unemployment and has not yet qualified for disability. The last thing she should have to worry about right now is trying to figure out which bill to pay while still being able to feed herself, yet this is the situation she is facing and it’s weighing heavily on her. Any funds raised will go toward paying for utilities, car insurance, gas and food.

Please help relieve some of the burden Erika is carrying. She is a fairly private person and hates having to ask for help, but I was finally able to convince her to allow me to set this up for her. Any donation is very much appreciated. On behalf of Erika and her daughter Anna, thank you.