Hello family and friends,

As most of you know, after fighting a virus last December, my kidneys suddenly stopped working. I must now perform dialysis nightly to stay alive. Because of my age and overall health, I am fortunate to be a good candidate for a kidney transplant. I am very grateful to the numerous family members, friends, and strangers who initially got tested to be a living donor. I am incredibly blessed that two family members have recently been identified as a direct match! Our hope is that I will receive one kidney and an anonymous recipient on the National Registry will receive the other.

The extra expenses related to an organ transplant are very high. Even with insurance, several of these costs must be covered out of pocket. Some are co-pays, deductibles, and cross-country travel and lodging for the donor and caregivers. My hope is to raise funds to help cover some of these costs.

Since my initial hospitalization and daily dialysis, I have returned to nursing school, but am no longer able to work full-time. I wish I could cover all the costs of this life-saving gift myself, but need some help. Please consider a contribution, it would be so appreciated!

Ryann