Kenny's Kidney Journey

For many years now I have dealt with kidney issues. I have had blood pressure issues since I was teenager. Everything came to ahead August 2018, when I was diagnosed with kidney failure. My doctors quickly went into action. They evaluated me and determined that I was a good candidate for kidney transplant. However, I needed to make some drastic changes to my life. At the time I was morbidly obese. I weighed 272 lbs. I had to go on a renal diet. That meant no fried food, no salty food, no foods with high amounts of potassium or phosphorus.  I admit there were many days where it was hard to get up in the morning, let alone function. Everything seemed to be in a fog. The average day for me would be mind-blowing headaches, nausea, and constant spurs of pain. There were many dark days. It wasn't just my symptoms, it was the uncertainty of my future.  However,  I stayed focused. I exercised three hours a day. I am proud to say that I have lost 110 lbs on this journey. I truly believe it was my lifestyle change that saved me from undergoing dialysis. Within a couple months, I received the call that some patients never get the chance to receive. I was offered a kidney! As you can imagination, there were so many emotions that swirled inside my head, excitement and fear are two big ones.  However, we do what we need to do in order to see another day. I was gifted my new kidney on 6/26/19, a date I will always remember and cherish. Since that day, I feel great! No headaches, no nausea, no spurs of pain. My blood pressure is normal. There is no fog. Everything seems so clear. I can enjoy my life again! Now comes the hard part. How do I afford this?!  My med team has given me a layout of all my expenses, the procedure and the prescriptions included. I am asking for any donations. I am scared that I can't afford this on my own. I was hesitant about doing this. I really don't like putting myself out there. I like to fight my battles myself, but sometimes you must bury your pride. If I have learned anything from this journey, then it's learning the lesson of humility. I have learned to put the small things aside, because that's what they are small. I have learned that I can't battle this alone anymore.