I was first diagnosed with Lupus when I was 19 years old. Lupus is an auto-immune disease where your body’s white blood cells cannot tell the difference between an infection and healthy tissue or organs. In my case I suffered kidney failure (end stage renal disease). By having chemotherapy for two years the doctors were able to restore function to my kidneys. Unfortunately, when I was 23 the disease reoccurred worse than the first time. I was very ill and had trouble with basic activities such as bathing, dressing or feeding myself. I needed a kidney transplant in order to survive. I was blessed that my father was able to donate his kidney. It took me almost three years to get back to normal as the illness was severe. I’m one of the fortunate people who has been able to go on to live a full, healthy, normal life. After my transplant I earned a master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and worked for the VA for 11 years. I am currently out on medical leave due to my condition. I also moved from Florida to North Carolina and bought a townhouse! More amazing is that I found the love of my life and am engaged to be married.

Now, after 18 years, the kidney my father lovingly gave me is failing. I am currently on peritoneal dialysis to keep me alive and healthy enough to receive a new kidney. Peritoneal dialysis is done at home unlike the better known hemodialysis. I am attached to a machine every night for 8 hours. During that time a machine is ridding my body of the toxins that build up when the kidneys are not working properly. I am working with Wake Forest Baptist Health to get a new kidney as soon as possible.

I am blessed to have a wonderful person, Marian Dabbs who is going through the process to donate her kidney. I am humbled by her willingness to go through this arduous process. By having a living donor the kidney has a higher probability of lasting for a significant amount of time. The surgeries that we will both have to go through are very hard on the body. It will take her at least three weeks to recover. She will not be able to do much during that time. My recovery is longer (about 8 weeks). Though my health insurance plan will cover all of her medical expenses she is self employed and will not receive any pay during her recovery. My fiancée is also self employed and will need to take at least 4 to 6 weeks to take care of me. This Go Fund Me page is to assist them during the recovery time. Marian is giving me a great gift and though I am extremely thankful for her sacrifice, legally I cannot help her monetarily. Any money that is donated will go to both Marian and Archie to cover their personal expenses during the time they will be out of work. Thank you SO MUCH for your support!!!