Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Supporters:

I hope this message finds you in good spirits as I am. As some may know, I have recently announced after suffering silently for 3 decades with kidney failure. I am not one to ask for favors or help, so this is a bit hard for me. My name is Ingrid Llaverias (Kitty) to many of you.

I am a 53-year-old trying to lead as normal a life as I can. I love to dance, travel, and my family. It is so difficult for me to accept, after many second opinions, that I have End Stage Kidney Failure. My doctors are in disbelief as I have no diabetes, no high blood pressure, have never had a drink or smoke, so they do not know what happened.

You see, prior to Covid, my kidney disease was in check. Then, in a span of 3 years, I caught Covid 3 times, bronchitis, and pneumonia, and suddenly I was stage 5 with a kidney function of 8. Doctors have told me that the best option for me would be a kidney transplant as soon as possible. I never had insurance or other Health Care Exchange due to unaffordability, so I didn't go to the doctors as needed.

Today, August 2nd, I got the call after almost a year. I received the news that I was accepted by the committee to get on the transplant list. As many may not know, that list is anywhere from 3-5 years. I have one half-brother, and he is getting tested to see if he is a match. I am in Florida, and he is in NY, so I have to pay for his travel, time away from work, all his doctor appointments and procedures, and that adds up. My insurance through the marketplace is very high and has a high deductible and out of pocket expenses.

At this time I have chosen not to proceed with the dialysis as the quality of life is unbearable.

In 2020, the average kidney transplant cost was US$442,500 (6). Charges for the transplant admission, which include the surgery itself, are the most expensive line item, accounting for 34% of the total cost. That is without lifetime medication (I do not qualify for Medicare), my deductible is 10,000.00 plus 20 percent once the deductible is met. I currently go to my doctors once a month and have lab work to the tune of about 550.00 dollars a month.

With that being said, this is where I humbly ask for your support. I have created the Go Fund Me page to raise funds that will help me cover some of these costs.

Your generosity can make a world of difference. I understand that many right now may also be facing some tough financial challenges. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be a step to helping me make this life-saving procedure a reality. My desire is to see my only son Angel (29) and my future daughter-in-law Marina get married. Any prayers, positive thoughts, and shares of this campaign are equally appreciated and valued.

Please share this campaign with your friends, family, coworkers, and help me spread the word.

With the utmost gratitude,

Ingrid Llaverias (Kitty)