Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy, a type of kidney disease that has changed my life in many ways. For the past four years, I've been on dialysis, spending three days a week in treatment for hours at a time. I’ve also been on the California kidney transplant waitlist for four years, but the wait is nearly a decade. Recently, I was able to get listed at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where the wait is much shorter, and I have high hopes of receiving a kidney this year. While a living donor kidney would offer the best outcome, I don’t have that option right now. I am well insured, but since I can no longer work, I rely on Disability, which doesn’t cover all my needs. When the time comes for my transplant, I’ll need to travel to Phoenix, AZ and stay there for about six weeks. Unfortunately, my insurance doesn’t cover travel or lodging, and these out-of-pocket expenses are a real challenge.

This fundraiser is to help cover those costs so I can focus on healing and getting back to the life I love. My friends and family know that the ocean is my church, and fishing has always been my passion. Since starting hemo dialysis, I’ve had to step away from fishing, but with a successful transplant, I’ll be free again and able to return to the water. Your support will help me recover financially and get back out on the ocean sooner, doing what brings me peace and joy.

I’ve never asked for help before, and I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received so far in my journey. Any help you can give means the world to me and will help me return to the ocean, which is my church. Thank you for reading my story and for considering a donation to help me through this next chapter.