Support for Diana's Kidney Dialysis

Diana is a second grade student at the Donald McKay K-8 School and a beloved member of our school community who was recently diagnosed with acute kidney failure secondary to ANCA vasculitis. ANCA vasculitis is a rare type of autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the blood vessels and can affect different organs in the body. In Diana’s case, the vasculitis has attacked her kidneys resulting in acute kidney failure. Treatment involves an array of medications with unwanted side effects and eventually a kidney transplant. While Diana waits to become eligible for a transplant, she receives dialysis three times a week to help clean the blood and maintain fluid balance, which can be exhausting and is extremely expensive.

Even during dialysis, Diana is still a hardworking and dedicated student. She is at school for half of the day and is eager and excited to learn. She has a tutor at the hospital where she receives dialysis and she always stays on top of her school work. She enjoys doing math activities with her friends at school and her teacher describes her as a sweet student and a gentle soul. Outside of school, Diana loves to read, draw, and sing.

During this difficult time, Diana’s grandmother has also been battling cancer and has been in and out of the hospital several times. This family has endured many difficult obstacles emotionally and financially over the past several months and we hope you will help us support Diana and her family.

-McKay School Community