On behalf of Nancy's family, we are fundraising for her much-needed kidney transplant. The emotional burden of such a life-changing surgery is more than enough to deal with and we would love to be able to ease the financial burden.

Nancy’s statement:

"Those of you that know me, know that I have had some medical issues most of my adult life. I do my best to deal with them on my own and try to live the best life that I can moving forward...with occasional complaints. As most know, I don’t typically ask for help from others, and I don’t typically talk about what’s going on in my life outside of my small group of close friends and family. I now find myself in the position we're asking for help and talking about what’s happening in my life could actually save my life. I implore you all to kindly take the time to read and share my story.

Back in July 2022, I had a severe foot infection that required strong antibiotics. The antibiotics were needed to save my foot, but the downfall was that it damaged my kidneys which lead kidney failure. Within five months, I was placed on dialysis, my kidneys went from a 45% to a 5% function. At first, I was opposed to dialysis as I was naïve and uneducated. My Nephrologist (kidney specialist) and family convinced me to undergo dialysis. My first day at the dialysis center (Fresenius Medical Care) was scary as I was the youngest patient at the time. My motivation to better myself grew as I learned from other patients’ stories. I read books, spent hours online researching kidney failure and joined a support group. Being a therapist, I found myself giving support and affirmations to others who were not as fortune as I was with endless family support. Kidney failure and kidney disease are horrible, but it doesn’t need to be the end of the world. I make kidney disease fit into my life, not the other way around. A positive attitude is important for me, if I have dialysis Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 3am till 7am, you best assure I’m going to make the rest of my time count. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). God and my family know I have fought many battels within the past 6 years, I’ve survived countless hospital stays from heart failure, 8 surgeries, sepsis, blood clots, blood transfusion etc., and I stand here today with a positive mind towards life.

During these challenging times, I’ve pushed myself onto learning new hobbies such as gardening, diy home projects, sewing and pet grooming. Each hobby has given me hope and faith to conquer the obstacles that I face. Sewing has become my current pass time and because of it, I’ve learned to create dolls. Dolls that have found homes in the hearts of many. I have come here with my story as my biggest challenges are my kidney transplant expenses.”

**Donating your kidney to a loved one is one of the most special gifts one person can give to another. To assist you in making this decision, we have enclosed some internet links for information on Living Kidney Donation.

To apply to be a Living Donor, begin by completing the online health history questionnaire. The questionnaire can be accessed at https://lomalindalivingdonor.org

Below are some websites where you can find more information about Living Kidney Donation.

►United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS): www.unos.org

►UNOS-Transplant Living: www.transplantliving.org

►National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org

►Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR): www.srtr.org (center outcomes)

If you have any questions feel free to contact the Loma Linda University Medical Center Living Donor Transplant Team.

Living Donor Direct Phone Line: (909) [phone redacted] Fax: (909) [phone redacted]

Living Donor Team email: [email redacted]

I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this and share with everyone you know. It was extremely hard for my sister to write this, by putting herself out there, and calling out to those who will listen.

Her blood type is O+. My hope is that someone will come across this who is willing to donate and is a match. You never know who might be the one.

Thank you all again!!

With my deepest sincerity,

Carmen Puentes