Hi everyone, my name is Lauren Kahns, and I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend Heather Slaaen and her family. Heather has shown incredible strength and grace through the years of health challenges, and now she is facing yet another big battle in her life - a secondary kidney transplant.

The Slaaen family is one of those families you can’t help but love. Their kindness, humility, and strength radiate in everything they do. Their oldest daughter and my youngest are little besties, and through their friendship, I’ve had the joy of watching the Slaaens live out what it truly means to show up for others with open hearts and quiet grace. Now, it’s our turn to show up for them.

Heather’s Journey

Heather’s journey with kidney disease began in 2014, when she was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and required dialysis for 10 months before receiving her first kidney transplant later that same year. Her determination and faith carried her through that difficult time, allowing her to rebuild her health and focus on the things that matter most: her family, her faith, and helping others.

Nearly eleven years later (and in that time, she and her husband Zach have been blessed with two beautiful, precious daughters) Heather now faces another major hurdle. Her transplanted kidney has declined in function, and she recently had to restart dialysis three times a week while awaiting approval to be relisted for another kidney transplant. This is an exhausting and emotional process, but if you know Heather, you know she continues to face each challenge with courage, grace, and her trademark positive spirit.

Through it all, Heather has remained deeply passionate about nursing. She began pursuing her dream of becoming a registered nurse, but her health challenges have forced her to put those aspirations on hold yet again. Despite these setbacks, she continues to inspire those around her with her perseverance, compassion, and unshakable faith.

The Financial Strain

While Heather is hopeful for another successful transplant, this journey brings significant financial hardship. Post-transplant, her anti-rejection medications alone are expected to cost upwards of $2,500 per month for the first six months, even with private insurance. On top of that, she will be unable to work for an extended period while she recovers and adjusts to her new medication regimen.

Her husband, Zach, recently graduated with his BSN and began his nursing career as an RN at Providence Sacred Heart. To support their family through this difficult time, he’s working night shifts as a new RN while continuing his previous dayshift job doing everything he can to keep their family afloat while also being there for Heather and their two young daughters.

How You Can Help

This GoFundMe has been created to help the Slaaen family cover the mounting medical expenses, treatment costs, and loss of income during Heather’s recovery. Your support, whether through donations, sharing their story, or lifting them up in prayer means the world to them and will help ease the weight of this journey.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a living kidney donor, you can start the process through Sacred Heart’s transplant team here:

https://www.sacredheartlivingdonor.org

Let’s Rally for Heather

Heather has spent her life giving to others with compassion and strength. Now, it’s our turn to give back. To help her heal, to support Zach as he balances work and family, and to remind their girls that their community stands behind them.

Thank you for being in their corner. Every prayer, share, and donation brings the Slaaens one step closer to relief, healing, and hope. ❤️