Kidney For Franco

Hi,  My name is Melissa Franco, 25 years old, Dispatcher for Sheriffs Office and volunteer FF/EMT and I am fighting for my life. Here is my story: For the last 7 years I have been battling Chronic Kidney Disease, hoping to find a kidney donor before dialysis became my only choice. I was first diagnosed at MEPs in Tampa when I was finalizing my enlistment into the US Army back in July of 2012. Army Medical didn't clear me, ending up in not being able to enlist and serve. After numerous testing I was taken to a local hospital and it was determined that I was in the beginning stages of renal failure. In the beginning of 2018, my condition worsen. Back in March I was admitted to the hospital for 2 weeks, doctors had informed me that I no longer had an option of holding out on dialysis. My world came crashing down, I would have to accustom myself to the lifestyle of dependency on Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. My kidney function is very minimal, therefore I now have to do peritoneal dialysis every night for 8.5 hours connected to a machine. This machine keeps me alive and somewhat healthy. Unfortunately, this process is very exhausting. Unless I am to find a viable live kidney donor, I will be on this machine for a long time.  I am raising funds to be able to assist the future kidney donor as they will have expenses and want them to know that we are here to help them as they are helping me. The funds will be used for the kidney donor and any other expenses that arises through this process of kidney transplantation. My hopes is to be able to have a live kidney donor transplant so I can get back to doing what I love most, giving back to my community. I am currently going through fire school to complete my state certifications and then want to continue onto pursuing my Paramedics license and attend local Law Enforcement Academy.  My career goal is to maintain within the public safety industry. I am A+ blood type. If anyone is interested in getting tested to be a donor you can contact Tampa General Live Kidney Donor program at 8138445669 and request a testing kit for patient Melissa Franco DOB 7/8/1994.

Any questions you may have can be directed to [email redacted]
Thank you.