From Annette:

Hi everyone,

This is a post I never imagined I’d have to write. If you know me, you know I’m fiercely independent — the “I can handle it” type who rarely asks for anything. For the past three years, I’ve been on dialysis, but I didn’t talk about it much. I was determined to live as normal a life as possible and not let it define me or worry anyone around me.

Recently, I received the incredible gift of a kidney transplant — something I’m deeply grateful for every single day. But even with this blessing, the transition has been harder than I expected. Recovery comes with new challenges: constant follow-up appointments, medications, and learning to rely on others more than I ever have. Theshift to needing more day-to-day support have brought on expenses I simply wasn’t prepared for.

Asking for help is uncomfortable for me, but I’m learning that sometimes strength means letting people in. This GoFundMe is to help support the costs tied to recovery, transportation, and basic needs while I heal and adjust to my new life post-transplant.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for caring, and for supporting me through one of the hardest transitions of my life. Anything you’re able to contribute — even sharing this — means more than I can say. I’m hopeful, grateful, and taking it one day at a time toward getting back on my feet.

With love and gratitude,

Annette