Kidneys For Kiki: An Auto Immune Story

Hi everyone, and thanks for taking a moment to stop by my page. My name is Kiki, as hinted by the title, lol, and if you don't know me personally, I am probably the only one eyed panda samurai you are likely to meet. Especially the only one eyed panda samurai with the type of medical conditions I happen to have. Enter a very rare auto immune disorder called TINU (tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis). Don't feel bad if you haven't heard of it. We don't have the notoriety of Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis. There are only a little over 200 cases world wide. And with those kind of numbers I should have been a gambler =). The disorder only attacks eyes and kidneys, and having been born a Type I diabetic, for me the eye and kidney problems were always linked to the diabetes. But, they weren't from that. For over a decade the TINU had free reign over my body as I could feel myself getting sicker and being unable to stop it. Now that it is diagnosed, I am able to treat it. Beat the symptoms into submission, hopefully. But the cost has been... A little high. My kidneys are in failure, but it's okay. I haven't started dialysis just yet and I have a great Nephrologist who has referred me to the dual organ transplant list. Kidney AND pancreas transplant is apparently a thing. <3 I had my right eye removed and some vision lost in Lefty, but Tampa has this amazing program from "Lighthouse for the Blind" that offers life skills and occupational training. I still have the TINU and unfortunately seem to have developed a new rare auto immune hypersensitivity that gave me a stroke last month. A month in the hospital, but I am doing much better. The paralysis is resolved and I'm getting stronger. =) I also just started seeing a wonderful Immunologist and immune suppression treatment may be an option. I'm still here and I'm still kicking. Forge me through fire, world =). My main problem at the moment is medical costs. Between the tests to get on the list, doctor's visits, new medications, treatments, potential non - FDA approved therapies, needed upgrades to medical equipment, occupational therapy, cataract surgery, bills, and if I'm very lucky, maybe a shiny blue prosthetic eye, things are financially out of reach. I'm hoping to raise some money to make it all a little more obtainable. I still hate asking it of anyone. It still feels very vulnerable to share, but I made the decision to take a lesson from Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls). She talks about trust. Trust in humanity, trust in people, trust in their overriding good nature and generous hearts. And I believe her. So I wanted to say thank you. If you find yourself touched by my story and would like to help, thank you. If you find yourself touched but are unable to help, thank you. If you find yourself touched and would like to share my story, thank you. If you took a moment out of your day to simply read this, thank you. From the bottom of my heart and the hearts of the people who care about me, you will always have our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you. <3 Kiki