Support Deborah's Journey to a Kidney Transplant

On behalf of Deborah Southwell, we are fundraising for her much-needed kidney transplant. The emotional burden of such a life-changing surgery is daunting and, with your help, we can help ease some of the burden.

About Debi:

This past Mother’s Day 2024, Deborah was taken via ambulance to the hospital for a variety of unusual systems. We learned her kidneys had completely shut down, and she was in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), a terminal illness that occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function. She requires dialysis three days a week and, longer term, a kidney transplant to survive.

We want Deborah to be able to focus on preparing for a transplant and recovery when a kidney becomes available without worrying about the associated costs. Medicare and the supplement insurance cover a lot but is far short of everything! Some of the costs not covered by insurance are co-pays, travel, hotels, meals, and especially the anti-rejection drugs for she will need for the remainder of her life.

We would so appreciate any and all support friends and family are willing to give to help Deborah through this time. She needs prayers, financial support in cash, points for airline and hotels, and of course a kidney.

From Deborah in her own words:

Those of you that know me know that asking for personal help is difficult for me. I do my best to deal with personal issues and try to live the amazing life God has given me. A couple of years ago, I suffered a work-related accident causing a TBI (traumatic brain injury) which left me unable to work but, with the assistance of an attorney and friends, I received an unencumbered payout from workers’ compensation of just $ 8K. I now find myself in the position of asking for help and talking about what’s happening in my life that could actually save my life.

I am currently going to dialysis three days a week, and it leaves me exhausted. I’m working with five transplant hospitals including the Mayo to pass their tests so I can join their waiting list for a kidney. I am currently listed at UT Southwest. For each listing there are costs not covered by insurance. The process is long, exhausting, and expensive.

When a kidney does become available, I will need to demonstrate sufficient funds in hand to cover the medical costs not covered by insurance, the travel and follow-up stays, as well as the cost of the anti-rejection drugs for the first year. That is an estimated $35,000.

Thank you for your consideration and prayers as I navigate this new season in my life.

Deborah

Please prayerfully consider helping our sister Deborah. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

Angie, Katie and J.J.