Help the Richardson Family

My husband Malcolm was diagnosed with stage 3 CKD (Chronic kidney disease) in 2011 after a lupus flare up. Lupus nephritis is a kidney disorder in which the body’s immune system targets its own body tissue and organs. He had been living with the symptoms and managing the disease the best way he could. Inevitably his disease progressed and 9 years later he was diagnosed with end stage renal disease (Stage 5 CKD). About 18 months ago he started hemodialysis after his kidneys ultimately failed him.

I can’t even begin to explain how hard this journey has been for my husband, Malcolm and our family. Countless visits to the emergency room, ambulance rides, hospital inpatient stays, f/u appointment’s with his specialist’s (Nephrology, Rheumatology, Cardiology, GI doctors, pcp) and dialysis sessions 3-4/times a week depending on fluid/lab levels. All while under-going a kidney transplant work-up.

In August 2021 we found out we had a living donor match. And once Malcolm was clinically stable and his work up was complete, he would be eligible for a kidney transplant surgery. After a long-awaited time, a day we thought would never come. After pushing through and surviving all the days that he thought he couldn’t. Being humbled and showing true perseverance, my husband is honestly the strongest person I know.

In a couple weeks Malcolm will be receiving the ultimate gift of life, a new kidney. While we both feel completely blessed and honored for this second chance at life, I just found out that my entire LOA (Leave of absence) will be unpaid.

Please help us make this transplant happen. All donations will be used for any uncovered medical expenses, post transplant medical expenses and lost wages for myself, his caregiver. No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted. We greatly appreciate your help and the continued prayers for Malcolm and our family! If you’d like to read more about my husband’s health journey please like and follow our group page “Help The Richardson Family” on Facebook. Thank you and God bless.