Hi everyone! My name is Vaysha Ramsey-Anderson, I’m 25 years old, and I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio. I have type 1 diabetes and kidney failure, and am currently on dialysis . My health has not always been the greatest, but in these last few years it has taken a turn for the worst.

In August of 2019, I was diagnosed with secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare disease that scars the filters in the kidneys. This disease can be genetic, which it was in my case, and is more prominent in Black Americans. My nephrologist (kidney doctor) said I was essentially at end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and that my next step was to get a transplant. I remember crying in his office and him holding my hand as a show of support. Imagine being 23 years old and hearing that both of your kidneys were pretty much useless. To say that I was heartbroken is an understatement.

I started peritoneal dialysis in May of 2020. This type of treatment allowed me to continue working and was more gentle on my body. Unfortunately my doctors were concerned that the fluid pressure from treatment was making my gastroparesis worse, so I switched to hemodialysis in June of 2021. I am currently on disability and not working due to my dialysis schedule (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) and not physically being able to have a job. I come home from treatment tired and weak because they are filtering liters and liters of blood to remove waste, water, and toxins. It is very taxing on the body and there are days where I stay in my room all day because I physically can’t move.

In December of 2020 I had my first meeting with the transplant team at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center Kidney Transplant at Hoxworth Center. I met with the nurse coordinator, transplant surgeon, transplant nurse, social worker, insurance coordinator, and dietician. I have several requirements that need to be fulfilled before I even get on the transplant list. Luckily, because I’m young and my kidney disease progressed due to something out of my control (being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and having FSGS), that makes it more likely that I’ll be put on the list.

When I was talking with the insurance coordinator, she emphasized that insurance will only cover post-transplant medications for the first three years, and will only cover a portion of the surgery. Given that I have to take the medications for the rest of my life and both the medications and surgery cost thousands of dollars, this was concerning. She said that patients are strongly encouraged to create a fundraising page so that they can afford these things. It’s heartbreaking.

I’ve made unsuccessful GoFundMes in the past but this one is incredibly important and can potentially save my life. Part of the funds will go towards current medical bills that I haven’t been able to pay off, as well as cost of living, and any treatments/testing that may not be covered by my insurance. The rest will be saved for when I get my transplant, as I will need to start paying for the surgery and medications as soon as I am able to recover at home.

I’ve had to put my life on hold while trying get this kidney-pancreas transplant. I want to get my Master’s in either Mental Health Counseling or Social Work so that I can help kids with their mental health. I want to finally get my license and a car so that I don’t have to rely on others to take me to appointments and I can visit my friends. I want to thrive instead of just survive. If you are interested in becoming a potential donor here is the link to register!

It would mean the world to me if you are able to donate. If not, please share with your family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, etc. I want to live a long and healthy life, and I can’t do this alone. Thank you for taking the time to learn my story!