It’s hard to imagine the emotional rollercoaster that waiting for a transplant entails. Almost, but not quite, as hard to imagine as how amazing it will be to no longer be sick all the time.

My name is Joanna. I am a 46 year old mom of two boys in Calgary, AB. I have had a rough go with my health throughout my life including thatI been living with type 1 Diabetes and it’s increasing complications since I was 7 years old.

While health care is free (and very much appreciated) in Canada having an organ transplant comes with a lot of additional costs. I am currently waiting for a pancreas transplant that requires me to travel to Edmonton and to stay there for 3 months.

I am raising funds to cover some of the travel costs (gas, food, travel for my support person, parking), “dry runs” when you get the call, get ready for surgery and the organ turns out not to be a match, and the cost of accommodations for 3 months in Edmonton ($1900 per month).

This is all becoming very expensive very quickly and I would very much appreciate any support in my time of need.