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Emma’s Health Journey
Over the past several years, Emma began experiencing persistent fatigue and other symptoms that were difficult to pinpoint. After a series of tests, repeat lab work, and a kidney biopsy, her doctors diagnosed her with Stage 5 End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
While this diagnosis finally explains her symptoms, it also means her kidneys can no longer function properly on their own. Emma's medical team at URMC's Kidney, Pancreas, and Liver Transplant Institute has advised that the best path forward is a living donor kidney transplant.
Emma’s friends and family have set up a GoFundMe to help cover expenses related to the transplant journey.
Funds will assists with:
- Lost wages and associated expenses incurred for the living donor
- Emma’s insurance co-pays and other out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Remaining funds will be donated to the URMC Kidney, Pancreas, and Liver Transplant Institute to help other patients in need
Every donation, message, and share helps ease the burden and bring Emma one step closer to a healthy future.
An Additional Way That You Can Help:
Consider Becoming a Living Donor
A living kidney donation can save Emma’s life and offer her many more years of energy, health, and time with her son.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a living donor or being tested as a potential match, please review this handbook: Strong's Living Kidney Donor Handbook
If you would like to be screened, please contact the University of Rochester Medicine’s Kidney, Pancreas, and Liver Transplant Institute at (585)-275-7753, and say you're screening for "Emma Oakes" / Date of Birth: 02/22/1993
You do not need to be an exact match for Emma — paired kidney exchanges make it possible for all willing donors to help, even if they aren’t a direct match.
About Emma
Emma Oakes was born and raised in Rochester, NY. She’s 32 years old, a 2011 graduate of Irondequoit High School, and earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from SUNY ESF in 2016. Today, she works full time as a Landscape Architect and Project Manager at Costich Engineering — a job she loves for its creativity, problem-solving, and community impact.
Outside of work, Emma finds joy in creating art, crocheting, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and designing beautiful gardens. She treasures time with her 5-year-old son, Atlas, her partner, Alex Amering, and their French Bulldog, Kyoko.
For More Information
This Caring Bridge Page will be updated regularly with Emma’s progress, transplant updates, and opportunities to help along the way.
Thank you for being part of her support system — your love and encouragement mean the world to Emma and her family.