Help Shirley Find a Kidney Donor and Continue Her Journey of Hope

Hi everyone,

My name is Shirley, and this isn’t an easy message for me to write — but I’m learning that sometimes, we have to open our hearts and ask for help.

I’ve lived with diabetes for over 20 years, but in April 2024, my world changed when I was diagnosed with FSGS, a rare disease that caused my kidneys to deteriorate. Despite all my efforts to stay healthy, my kidneys continued to decline, and by September 2024, I was placed on the kidney transplant list.

On August 19, 2025, I began home hemodialysis. My husband and I were trained to do my treatments at home — it’s not easy, but we’re managing together with faith, patience, and love. Still, dialysis is only a temporary fix. What I truly need is a living kidney donor to give me a second chance at life.

You don’t have to be an exact match to help me! Through a paired exchange program, even if your kidney doesn’t match mine, you can donate to someone else, and I’ll receive a kidney from another donor in the program — often within about six months.

This fundraiser will help cover the many expenses that come with this journey:

Medical costs and dialysis supplies

Travel and lodging for appointments

Time off work

Monthly living costs during recovery

Every donation, share, and prayer means more than I can ever express. My faith keeps me strong, and I truly believe that God has a plan — that my story will reach the person meant to help me.

If you’d like to learn more or see if you can help as a donor, please scan the QR code below to contact my transplant team at Froedtert Hospital.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read, pray, and share. Hope is what keeps me going — and with your help, I believe my miracle is on its way.

With love and faith,

Enrique and Shirley Avina