If you have met my twin sister, Aubrey Thomson, you know she is one of the most empathetic, kind-hearted, and courageous people you could ever encounter. For the past 3 years, Aubrey has been battling IgA nephropathy, a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys. Last month, Aubrey, who is 24 years-old, entered end-stage renal failure and urgently needs a kidney transplant.

In April 2022, when Aubrey was 21 and studying nursing at Niagara University, she started feeling tired, nauseated, and sore all the time, and she began having trouble walking. Our mom took her to the emergency room, and the doctors dismissed her and sent her home without diagnosing or treating her. But a week later, Aubrey’s symptoms had gotten worse, and she went back to the ER. This was the second of countless trips Aubrey would make over the next few months (and ultimately, years) to hospital after hospital, being referred to specialist after specialist. Finally, she had a kidney biopsy

which confirmed that Aubrey had a life-threatening autoimmune disease. Aubrey started her first round of chemotherapy in July of 2022. Three more rounds followed, which she underwent while going to school full time and doing clinical rotations at various hospitals. Aubrey persevered and graduated with her nursing degree in 2023,

walking the stage at graduation while in the middle of round three of chemo. Nothing stopped my sister!

Unfortunately, despite the aggressive treatments and drugs, Aubrey’s disease was unrelenting. After exhausting all available treatment options in Syracuse, Aubrey was referred to a specialist at New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University in New York City, in January 2024, who put Aubrey on new medications as soon as they became FDA

approved. Her case was presented at medical conferences in 2023 and 2024. Aubrey agreed to become a part of a research study, hoping to help doctors learn more about the disease in the hopes of helping other patients suffering with this disease.

Despite all this treatment to save Aubrey’s kidneys, she has progressed to end-stage renal failure. Our family is testing to determine if any of us can be her living kidney donor, and we are actively seeking additional potential donors. Her transplant team is trying to get her a transplant by the end of this month. Aubrey is currently listed for transplant at New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University.

Since our family lives in upstate New York, we will need to relocate to the New York City area for 2-3 months during her transplant and recovery. Her transplant team needs her to be close by and closely monitored. We won’t have much lead time to find places to

stay, as we will be scheduled once we have a matched living donor, cleared to donate. 

We are asking for donations to cover the expenses for the transplant, including relocating to be near the transplant center in NYC, anti-rejection medication/other medications, and follow-up medical care after receiving the transplant. Aubrey will be out of work for 2-3 months following transplant and will face (literally) a lifetime of out-of-pocket expenses. The expenses over these last three years have been astronomical, but thus far, my family has been able to cover it.

However, we estimate that the cost of housing/an Airbnb in NYC, other associated out-of-pocket expenses while she recovers, medications, and expenses while Aubrey is unable to work, will be at least $25,000 which will put a significant financial strain on Aubrey and my family.

Throughout her battle, Aubrey has consistently demonstrated what true bravery and strength look like. We are seeking support and assistance during this very difficult time.

Please consider donating if you can and share this campaign to help us reach more people. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference for Aubrey and our family. Thank you for your support.

Brooke Thomson