Main fundraiser photo

Sam's Kidney Transplant Fund

Donation protected
When I was 22 years old, I was diagnosed with kidney failure and I was told that I needed a transplant as soon as possible. I was born with a syndrome known as Branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome, which affects several things including development of the ears, and kidneys. My hearing is affected, but until recently, I thought that I was healthy and that the syndrome had not had any adverse effect on my kidneys.
In May of 2014, I graduated from college and I began preparing to serve an LDS mission. One of the requirements to serve is to receive a physical examination. During this physical, I had a blood test done and it was discovered that my creatinine levels were far above normal. After getting an ultrasound, the doctors found that I was born with only one kidney and that it was functioning at 8% of its capacity. This meant that a kidney transplant was necessary to save my life.This was very heartbreaking for me to hear as it meant that I would not be able to serve a mission anymore. Since receiving this devastating news, I have decided to go back to school and receive a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering. The past few months have been a difficult journey for me. Attending graduate school and trying to fit in doctor appointments, while slowly starting to feel more fatigued has been a challenge. While this has been one of the most difficult times of my life, it has also been the most rewarding. I have learned so much about the love that God has for me. He has put amazing people in my life to help me and lift me up. Many people have offered to be tested to be a donor. Being a donor is a huge sacrifice and I feel truly blessed and humbled. My aunt Lisa has stepped forward and is willing to donate her kidney to me in December 2014. I cannot begin to express enough gratitude to Lisa and her family for giving me this sacred gift and a second chance at life.I want to thank everyone that has helped me and prayed for me. Your thoughts and prayers have meant more to me than you could ever know. I love each and every one of you.
I especially want to thank my family for their unending love and support. They have done everything for me and I only hope that through this site, I am able to help them even a little with the medical bills that will come as a result of the transplant.
Donate

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100 
    • 9 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Samantha Ruggles
Organizer
Riverton, UT

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.