For the past five years, I have been living with end stage kidney failure. Dialysis has been my lifeline, keeping me alive three to four days a week, but it has also taken a huge toll on my body and my life. There were so many days I didn’t think I could keep going, but I held on for my six-year-old daughter, determined to be there for her even when I was too weak or sick to get out of bed.

Now, for the first time since this journey began, I have hope. My best friend is a match and has selflessly offered to donate a kidney to me. My transplant is scheduled for February 25th, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this second chance at life. As a 34-year-old single parent, I know the road to recovery will be long and hard. I’ll need to stay in a hotel near the hospital for two weeks, and I won’t be able to work for a while, making it impossible to pay my rent, car insurance, phone bill, and the medications I’ll need to make sure my body accepts the new kidney.

I am so grateful for the support I’ve received so far, and for my friend’s incredible gift. The only thing left to worry about is the financial burden that comes with recovery. If you’re able to donate or even just share my story, I can’t express how much it means to me. Here’s to my second chance at life—thank you from the bottom of my heart.