My name is Anne-Marie, and I’m living with stage 5 kidney failure. While I’m able to afford my own medical bills during treatment in the pediatric ICU at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, I’ve seen firsthand how many families are struggling. Some parents are out of work, spending every moment by their child’s side, just like my mother did for me. The stress and uncertainty they face is overwhelming, and the financial burden only adds to their pain.

I can not do dialysis, I have to get hemoglobin shots and transfusions instead—and it’s a nightmare to get insurance companies to approve. It took my mom and entire medical team three weeks arguing with insurance. A necessity to stabilize me and keep me alive while waiting for transplant. I can only imagine what dialysis is like for the kids who have to go through it. One thing I’ve learned is that medical insurance companies can be incredibly difficult, even when a child’s life is at stake. Families are forced to fight for approvals and pay huge co-pays, all while trying to stay strong for their kids. It’s heartbreaking to see how much they have to endure.

I want to do something to help. With the support of my medical team I’ll be working to identify families who need help the most. Every dollar raised will go directly to children with kidney disease and their families, to ease the financial burden of treatment and give them hope. Please join me in supporting these families. Your generosity can make a real difference and help these children face the challenges of kidney disease with dignity and strength.