My Mom Finally Got Her Kidney — Now I’m Asking for Help So She Can rest and recover stress free

My name is Paridise Smith, and I am writing this with a grateful heart.

On December 16, 2025, my mom finally received the call we’ve been waiting years for — a matched kidney was available. Within hours, she was in surgery at Duke University Hospital, fighting for the life she has been holding onto with everything she has left.

My mom has been sick for most of my life. When she was a teenager, she got strep throat that went undetected until it spread into her bloodstream. She almost died. The infection badly damaged her kidneys, and a few years ago, they failed completely. She had to start dialysis immediately just to stay alive.

I’ve watched her fight through pain, exhaustion, and fear — and still show up for everyone else.

I’ve watched her pray and hope when the wait for a transplant felt endless.

Yesterday, that miracle finally came.

And now we’re facing the hardest part.

The Truth: My Mom Cannot Go Home

Duke is requiring her to stay in Durham for at least 12 weeks after the transplant so they can monitor her closely. She has to be near the hospital in case her body rejects the kidney or complications arise. Recovery is fragile. Everything is unpredictable.

Because of this:

She cannot work

She will lose her income for three months

We must find temporary housing in Durham, immediately

She still has to pay her rent, car payment, insurance, utilities, and basic bills at home

I have taken leave from my job so I can be here to care for her 24/7

What We Need

We are asking for $10,000 to cover:

Housing near Duke for 12 weeks

Food and daily supplies

Gas and medical travel costs

Her rent, car payment, insurance, and household bills

My support as her full-time caregiver while she fights to heal

We are doing everything we can, but we cannot do this alone.

Why I'm Asking

I’m asking for help so that she does not have to worry about losing her home, her car, or her stability while she recovers.

I’m asking so she can focus on healing — not on bills she cannot possibly pay right now.

My mom has fought long enough.

This time, she deserves to rest.

If you’re able to give, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you can’t, please share this — it truly helps.

Thank you for helping my mom as she recovers and looks forward to actually live again.