Hello, my name is Zoee Bishop-Bridges, and this is my mother, Valerie Bishop. I've tried to gather all the right words to describe her as a mother and overall woman, but I don’t think I’m ready to write a thirty-page essay. Though if I had to summarize it all I’d say that she’s nothing less than a superhero. She has the ability to make almost anyone burst into tears of laughter, regardless of the day they’re having. My mother obtains the superhero-like charisma that illuminates a positive, inspirational influence on her family, friends, coworkers, and students. Her smile and heart will embrace and love you if there’s no one else in the world who will. And she is a living example of the meaning of her name; strength. As her daughter, I’ve witnessed many obstacles in her life that no regular superhero could overcome. However, since 2014 when she was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, she’s been toe to toe with this obstacle ever since. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis…you deserve a cookie if you can say that flawlessly on your first try. Valerie is currently in her 5th stage of Renal Failure and Chronic Kidney disease and needs a transplant. Thankfully, a blessed student of hers, Carrie Fisher, is more than willing to provide one of her own and undergo this process with her. Me, along with my mother, family, and friends ask if we could receive any helping hands to raise money for this procedure and recovery. As my mother has grown more ill with this disease, I’m glad she doesn’t look like what her kidneys have put her through. However, I can’t help to notice the physically and mentally progressive toll this disease has had on my mother. Though, in this household, we continue to keep a positive outlook. Thank you for any consideration to contribute, and God bless.