Help Crystal Get a Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

Friends, family, and kind strangers,

Crystal is battling end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to IgA nephropathy—an autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys. While she remains strong and determined, this condition has begun to have a slight impact on her heart, making her need for a kidney transplant increasingly important. But if there’s one thing Crystal has never backed down from, it’s a challenge. She’s ready to kick kidney disease to the curb—she just needs a little help to do it.

In an incredible act of love, Crystal’s mother Penny has stepped up as a paired donor. While she isn’t a direct match, she has committed to donating her kidney to help another patient in need. Through the paired kidney exchange program, Crystal is waiting to be matched with a compatible donor. Penny’s selflessness has brought her one step closer to the transplant that will change her life.

Through it all, Crystal’s husband Evan, has been her rock—her caretaker, her biggest supporter, and probably the person who reminds her most to drink enough water. He will be by her side throughout the transplant process, ensuring she receives the care, support, and comfort she needs during recovery.

Crystal is also a devoted mother to three amazing kids—ages 19, 16, and 11 (soon to be 12). More than anything, she wants to be healthy enough to keep up with their adventures, support them through life’s milestones, and avoid having them gang up on her in board games. She also has two Aussiedoodles, who don't quite understand what’s happening but fully support her because, well, they’re dogs and that's what they do best.

Finding a donor and undergoing this life-saving procedure is a monumental journey, and with it comes overwhelming medical costs. From transplant surgery and hospital stays to medications and follow-up care, the financial burden is immense. Insurance helps, but it doesn’t cover everything, and out-of-pocket expenses continue to rise.

Support in any form—whether financial, sharing her story, or offering words of encouragement—means the world to Crystal. Every contribution brings her closer to regaining her health, independence, and the chance to live fully again.

Thank you for being part of her journey. With the kindness and generosity of others, brighter days are ahead.