Ashley is a 34 year old mother of 4 that was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4 in October of 2023. She is now stage 5 and having a kidney transplant very soon.

Ashley was diagnosed at 18 years old with Polycystic Kidney Disease which is hereditary. She didn’t have any issues with it until 2023. Since being diagnosed with CKD, she has done so many lifestyle changes to try to slow the disease down. It hasn’t worked and it has progressed quickly. Her kidney function is currently at 11. When her function gets down to 7, she will need to start dialysis. Her and her doctors are trying at all cost to avoid dialysis completely.

Ashley has a few potential donors and one that has made it to Emory to complete the testing for compatibility. If she has to wait on a deceasing donor, it could be 5-7 years. She can get a call any minute and be told to head to Emory in Atlanta to be transplant.

Ashley is needing help with expenses associated with her kidney transplant. She will have to stay in Atlanta for 6-8weeks after transplant. Her and her family live 3 1/2 hours from Atlanta. She will have to have someone with her 24/7 along with going to the lab at Emory 3 times per week to be monitored.

If you feel led to donate, Ashley and her family will appreciate that help tremendously. Not having to worry about housing expenses, gas, bills, and food will release a lot of stress.

From Ashley herself;

At 18 years old, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Since then, I’ve had 4 boys that forever changed my life. Remington 14, Ben 11, Maverick 8, and Walker 3. I have lived my adult life caring for my boys and being involved in everything they do and I’m so appreciative that I’m able to do that.

At 33 years old, on October 4, 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). While I felt like my life was falling apart, I kept a positive attitude and have done everything I could to better my health to try to slow the disease.

On November 1st, 2024, at 34 years old, I met with a transplant surgeon from Emory in Atlanta to discuss the process to get a kidney transplant. I am now currently Stage 5 CKD. I was told by Dr. Pearson from Emory that I would make an excellent candidate for a kidney transplant. This is the news I desperately wanted to hear. Yes, I am scared but I also know that God has got this! I am continuing to stay healthy, taking medications, going to all of my doctors visits, and listening to my body. I have been to Emory and met with the entire Transplant Team at Emory along with a dietitian, financial coordinator, and a few other people.

As of August 2025, we have had several people go through the process to be a living donor. One has made it to Emory to complete all the necessary testing to ensure we are a good match and we could be called any time to leave.

I am so extremely lucky to have the support from my husband, Dustin Harden, my children, my family, my church family, my work family and so many friends. And I have support from people I don’t even know! I want to thank each and every person that has prayed for me, added me to their church prayer list, called, text, and even just thought about me.

Thank you so much!