Hi everyone!

I’m reaching out to ask for help for my best friend of nearly 25 years, Iesha; one of the strongest, most determined people I know. She’s been fighting with her body for half her life, doing everything she can to stay strong, even when her kidneys have had other plans.

Her journey started about 10 years ago when a routine check-up for back pain revealed something way more serious, her kidney function was much lower than it should’ve been for a 23 year old. After countless tests, doctor visits, and even traveling out of state for care, it was clear she needed a kidney transplant.

In January 2018, she got one. We were all so hopeful. But by August 2020, it became clear that the kidney wasn't working as it should. By 2023, she was back on the transplant list.

Despite all of this, Iesha has never stopped working hard or chasing her dreams. She’s kept traveling, building a life with her amazing partner Chris, and being an inspiration to everyone who knows her.

Then, on Thursday, July 17th, she got the call, there was a donor kidney available. On Friday, July 18th, 2025, Iesha received her second transplant. The doctors are hopeful this one will be a better match and give her the quality of life she deserves.

The transplant process is incredibly slow and can take years of waiting, testing, and hoping, but once a match is found, everything moves fast. There’s barely any time to prepare financially. Now that Iesha has received her new kidney, she’ll need to take several months off work to recover, and unfortunately, the medical bills don’t pause. That’s why I created this GoFundMe, to give her a bit of breathing room during recovery and help with both medical and everyday living expenses.

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps more than you know. Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and supporting someone who truly deserves it.

With love and gratitude,

Jorgie Shepard