Katrina's Kidney Transplant Fund
Donation protected
In 2006, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, specifically, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is a rare disease that attacks the kidney’s filtering units (glomeruli) and causes serious scarring that leads to permanent kidney damage and even kidney failure. FSGS is one of the causes of a serious condition known as Nephrotic Syndrome.
Upon diagnosis, I was given a "10 year" number. My doctor at the time said, "Oh, it'll be about 10 years before you start to see any real problems". Well, exactly 10 years later, in 2016 my kidneys started failing. I was evaluated and placed on the Duke Transplant list in June 2016. As the year went on, my kidney's started to get worse. I was at 8% kidney function (in both kidneys) and my doctor told me it was time to start dialysis. On August 8th, 2017 I started peritoneal dialysis (PD). With peritoneal dialysis, there is a catheter placed in your abdomen to allow for an "exchange" (dialysis) to happen. Since starting dialysis I have had several hospital stays, a couple of bouts of peritonitis (infection in my abdomen), site infections, weight gain, and swelling in my body. I am on several medications to help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, calcium deficiency, and phosphorus. Kidney disease has also caused me to have anemia. I have had several rounds of prednisone which also causes weight gain. However, through it all, I remain hopeful. Hopeful, that one day I will receive the call for a kidney or I will find a living donor.
In 2009, I was blessed with my son...through which I would find out that I would not be able to have anymore because of this disease. I am currently a divorced, single mother raising my son, working full-time, in school full-time, and "hooking" up to my life support every night. I am currently raising money in preparation for "that call". I currently work full-time and have health insurance through my employer which will cover the cost of surgery; however, I need assistance with everyday living expenses. My job will be secure, however, I don't have enough sick leave to cover me for the duration of recovery. Recovery can be at least 3 months. I am looking for assistance to help with things that insurance won't cover...those daily bills (i.e., mortgage, lights, water, caretaker, etc..) for at least 3 months. Any amount will help. All I want to do during recovery is recover and not have the added stress of worrying about bills.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued prayers!
Upon diagnosis, I was given a "10 year" number. My doctor at the time said, "Oh, it'll be about 10 years before you start to see any real problems". Well, exactly 10 years later, in 2016 my kidneys started failing. I was evaluated and placed on the Duke Transplant list in June 2016. As the year went on, my kidney's started to get worse. I was at 8% kidney function (in both kidneys) and my doctor told me it was time to start dialysis. On August 8th, 2017 I started peritoneal dialysis (PD). With peritoneal dialysis, there is a catheter placed in your abdomen to allow for an "exchange" (dialysis) to happen. Since starting dialysis I have had several hospital stays, a couple of bouts of peritonitis (infection in my abdomen), site infections, weight gain, and swelling in my body. I am on several medications to help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, calcium deficiency, and phosphorus. Kidney disease has also caused me to have anemia. I have had several rounds of prednisone which also causes weight gain. However, through it all, I remain hopeful. Hopeful, that one day I will receive the call for a kidney or I will find a living donor.
In 2009, I was blessed with my son...through which I would find out that I would not be able to have anymore because of this disease. I am currently a divorced, single mother raising my son, working full-time, in school full-time, and "hooking" up to my life support every night. I am currently raising money in preparation for "that call". I currently work full-time and have health insurance through my employer which will cover the cost of surgery; however, I need assistance with everyday living expenses. My job will be secure, however, I don't have enough sick leave to cover me for the duration of recovery. Recovery can be at least 3 months. I am looking for assistance to help with things that insurance won't cover...those daily bills (i.e., mortgage, lights, water, caretaker, etc..) for at least 3 months. Any amount will help. All I want to do during recovery is recover and not have the added stress of worrying about bills.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued prayers!
Organizer
Katrina Paschall
Organizer
Stem, NC