Hi, my name is Christy Carlyle. I write these words with a humble, hopeful, and thankful heart. I had the pleasure of meeting Valerie 25 years ago. She is one of my very best friends. To know her is to love her. She goes above and beyond for the people she loves—really for anyone that she comes in contact with. She would do anything that she could for someone in need, especially her children.

I met Kayla when she was just 7 years old. She was just like any “normal” 7-year-old little girl. And until she was 14, she lived life like any other girl. Active in all sports, vibrant, and full of life. Then just as she turned 14, she was diagnosed with diabetes. I remember Valerie and Kayla trying to navigate this new way of living. It was challenging. But Kayla was determined and still managed to be active in sports until her body no longer allowed. But it was not without a price. Diabetes has wreaked havoc on nearly every part of her body.

She has neuropathy in her feet and legs and can’t walk without specific medications. She recently underwent eye surgery after multiple failed laser treatments and injections. She also has tachycardia, hypertension, gastroparesis, polycystic ovary syndrome, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel, and constant recurring UTIs.

Not to mention the emotional toll it takes on Kayla’s mental state. She struggles with depression, anxiety, OCD, and trichotillomania. But Kayla is a fighter. She is strong, determined, and has a heart of gold.

Kayla has been hospitalized over 50 times and is currently in stage 5 kidney disease. Yet, she was never told that she had kidney disease until she was already at stage 4. This was devastating news. This is where the medical system had failed her.

Diabetes has robbed Kayla of a normal life for the last 18 years. After Kayla, now age 32, was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney disease, she was told that she would need a new kidney to survive. Kayla has suffered for years, many times in silence not wanting anyone to worry. When Valerie learned her daughter would need a kidney, she didn’t hesitate for a second to begin testing. And after 6 months of testing and MUCH prayer, Valerie IS A MATCH and was approved to donate to her daughter. Valerie giving Kayla her kidney is life-changing. It will not rid her body of this disease but it will greatly improve her quality of life.

This is where they need your help. Insurance will cover the cost of the surgery but does not cover all of her anti-rejection medications or any post-op care. And this will get costly. Not to mention the cost of travel expenses back and forth to Chapel Hill for follow-up appointments for both of them. Kayla has not been able to work for several years now and is on disability, and Valerie will be out of work for an extended period of time and will also require post-op care. Our prayer is that they both can focus on having sufficient time to recover without the worry of any financial burdens.

I humbly ask you to give. Give with a cheerful heart. Every contribution, big or small, is a generous act. If you are not able to give, please pray! This is not a position either of them ever pictured themselves in. But life does not ask if you want it or if you’re ready.

Pray for Kayla like she was YOUR daughter. Pray for Valerie like she was YOUR best friend. Pray for this mother’s heart and her prayer to give her daughter more years on this earth.

I know that God has already gone before them both. I know that this does not take God by surprise. He knew before they were both born that this day would come. God has already made a way for Valerie to be a match. AND MY GOD finishes what He starts.

We sincerely thank you for your generosity and support and would appreciate it if you share this link.

All donations can be made to Jacob’s Well Church pastored by Mike Jarman in Richlands, NC. You may also make donations at Providence Bank to Jacob’s Well, if that is more convenient. If you'd like to mail your donation. The address is listed below. Thank you and may God bless you.

Providence Bank

PO Box 699

Richlands NC 28574

Make check out to Jacob's Well

*please write "kidney donation" in the memo

"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much" ~ Helen Keller