My name is Jaime Perez and I live in Hanford, CA. I have been a type 1 diabetic for the past 32 years, having been diagnosed at the young age of three. Over the years, I did my best to manage my glucose and blood pressure. Despite my best efforts, it has led me to face diabetic nephropathy. In other words, I am now facing life-threatening renal failure (kidney failure).

Two years ago, I passed out at work with no one around. Under a medical fog, I found the strength to contact my brother. He rushed over, found me unconscious, and took me to the hospital. Now, I have been undergoing dialysis 7 days a week, every single night.

Fast forward to today, I finally got the call from Cedar-Sinai, Los Angeles Transplant Center, that I get to start the testing to have a dual transplant: a kidney and a pancreas. I am so close to something I've never had, a normal life.

With the support of my parents, Jaime and Sara, my siblings Valerie, Andrea, Elizabeth, and Alix, my dialysis team, and my family, I am nervous but excited and READY for this next step. This is why I am making this GoFundMe to help me raise money for the medical expenses and living expenses.

We were informed that I must have up to $15,000 to cover all that is needed to be aligned with the transplant process. The $15,000 will cover the following:

- Living in Los Angeles for three months within a 100-mile radius of the transplant center

- Aftercare medication to ensure the organs stay alive

- Nutrition expenses - must follow a specific food regimen

If you can, please donate. No matter the amount, I am grateful for any contribution. If you cannot donate at this time, please share my story on any platform you may have. Also, if you can, light a candle and say a prayer for me. I know with my support system I can get through this. Thank you so much.