Tina's Kidney Transplant Fund

Tina Rose Wood is a single parent who lives for her 13 year old daughter and 82 year old mother.  In 2003, Tina was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis kidney disease (FSGS).  FSGS is scarred tissue in the filtering unit of the kidney.  Glomerulosclerosis is a chronic disease, because the scarred glomeruli cannot be repaired.  For nine years Tina took steroids and immunosuppressive drugs to slow the progression of the kidney disease.  Tina began taking dialysis three times per week in 2012.  Tina and her family have been blessed to have a dear selfless friend, Beth MaKinster Stegeman, volunteered to donate a kidney to Tina.  Beth is a match and the transplant surgery is scheduled for June 16, 2015.  Beth is a happily married mother of four beautiful children who lives in California.  Beth is giving Tina the gift of a better life to take care of her daughter and mother and not have to be on dialysis.  The sacrifice Beth is making is amazing.

This fund has been established to help offset the expenses accrued through travel, lodging, and medical co-pays.  Tina will have to be seen at Shands twice a week for approximately two months following the kidney transplant; therefore, she will be staying in Gainesville, FL  for two months to be near the hospital.  The funds raised will be used to assist with out of pocket medical expenses in addition to temporary lodging for approximately two months following the kidney transplant.  Thank you for all your support and prayers.