Hi Everyone! I know it's been a difficult time for most allnof us over the last couple of years. We've lost jobs, freedoms. peace of mind and we've lost loved ones. It's all left us feeling somewhat helpless. We've been forced to focus on the more subtle joys in life like binging on our favorte TV shows (and snacks unfortunately!)

, cooking the family favorite meals, spending time with parent and grandparents and close friends. All of this have become so very precious to us. Even just enjoying a simple cup of coffee or taking a walk or sitting on the beach has taken on a new meaning.

Well, our dear, always selfless friend and classmate, Monique (Henderson) Benson really enjoyed all those things and seemed to have never taken these things for granted in the first place. Her heart is always open and her loving spirit has been shared with everyone who ever took the time to know her. And though she amazingly continues to be in good spirit today, it is unfortunate that someone so caring will need a group of community minded people like us to support her ability to enjoy her life fully again.

Monique, a 55 yr old devoted wife and mother of 4 has been diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) which only occurs in 2 out of every 10,000 people. Over the past few years her kidneys have deteriorated to the point that they do not work well enough to keep her alive. She did everything the doctors told her to do: exercise, weight loss and modified diet plans to slow the deterioration of her kidneys and despite that, her hemoglobin count was recently as low as 6 (normal rates 13.3 - 15.3), and the toxins in her body was 6 times the normal limit requiring her to immediately begin daily dialysis to preserve her life until she can get a kidney transplant. After 5 weeks of daily trips to medical center. she will continue dialysis at home every single day until she gets a kidney.. This means that she will not be able to really enjoy a fully active life with her 2 beautiful, active young teenage kids.

Though it may feel like it at times none of us are helpless. We can all help! First and foremost, Monique could use just a few seconds of your time to pray for her to get a kidney soon and that she is in good spirit until then.

Secondly, Monique needs a kidney. She is on multiple donor lists but unfortunately it could take years for her to get one. She is 0+ supported by Emory hospital in Atlanta so please consider testing to see if you're a match.

Lastly, Monique is on medical leave and has medical insurance but we all know that insurance for the most part pays a very small portion of medical costs. She will need financial support for medical bills, meals for the family, and other financial gaps that will likely arise out of this critical type of care.

Loving friends and classmates,

DrusillaTalley-Williams

Tim Sitton