Steph Soules

Hey everyone! My sister may or may not kill me for doing this, but she can't stop me! lol I think most of you know Steph's story, but I'll share for anyone who doesn't. It's a pretty inspiring story actually & started so so long ago! Steph's been dealt quite a hand in life (and if you didn't know about it, you'd never ever be able to tell). She spent her childhood in & out of hospitals; poked & prodded. Between the ages of 7 & 17 (before even graduating from high school) she experienced renal failure and had to have both kidneys removed, spent countless hours on hemodialysis & peritoneal dialysis and had 2 kidney transplants! Fast forward about a decade and enter the 2nd most inspiring person I've ever met - My niece Madelina (Steph's daughter). Lina was born in 2006 & had some birth defects that have made life challenging for her from the start. She, too, has spent her life poked & prodded. You know, I'm the kind of person that searches for meaning in all situations - good and bad - when Lina was born, I realized why Steph went through so much; all of that prepared her to be the mother that she has been to Lina. Forever her advocate, cheerleader and safe place. And for that, Lina has become resilient and strong, just like her mom. There are so many details I could share, but I'm long-winded enough in my synopsis! They are an amazing pair of people - living and fighting and finding a way to stay happy in the face of adversities.

Here's where I need your help. 2014 presented another challenge to Steph. The kidney she received from my Uncle, that served her well for over 16 yrs, failed and had to be removed. That means she is back on dialysis 3 times a week. She's on the transplant list to receive a kidney & people are also being tested to donate. You can imagine the financial burden this has had already and will have when a match is found & transplant surgery is scheduled. If you are able, please consider making a donation. I promise she is most deserving of a little help & would do the same for anyone without a second thought! Please share this & help me spread this request :-)

Thank you for taking the time to read & for your consideration. Wishing much health and happiness to you all in 2015!! xo