Support for Husband & Wife Kidney Transplants

There’s one word that comes to my mind when I think of Melissa’s commitment to her family - Selfless....concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own. She is steadfast in her duties as a wife and mother to 3 young children. This is why I wasn’t shocked to hear her say the words “I’m going to get tested to donate.” • Melissa’s husband, Jean Jacques, was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in 2009 caused by undetected hypertension. The word that has always come to mind when I think of Jean Jacques is Peace - freedom from disturbance; tranquility; mental calm; serenity. And through all of this he has kept this calming and positive demeanor and given everyone a feeling of faith that better times are ahead. • The disease progressed over 10 years. Throughout these 10 years there were terrifying ambulance rides, weeks in ICU, intubations, tests, surgeries, and so much uncertainty as to what the future would hold. Add in the insurmountable debt that these medical emergencies put on a family and it’s been a tough journey to say the least. • In 2019, Jean Jacques was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease. This diagnosis meant his condition was irreversible and that he retained less than 15% of his kidney function. His function was at less than 5%. When a patient reaches ESRD, there are 2 treatment options: dialysis and transplantation. Dialysis is a way of filtering toxins from the body in patients whose kidneys no longer function. He has been on dialysis for almost 2 years. • Most recently the family of 5 decided to sell their home in Texas and live with family in Louisiana to try and negate the medical debt. Melissa is the only one able to work as the dialysis is nearly 24-7 at this point for Jean Jacques as well as the side effects of ESRD. • Neither dialysis or transplantation are a cure for chronic kidney disease, but transplantation is anticipated to improve the quality of life in patients with ESRD. • Melissa didn’t hesitate to give her husband a chance at improving his quality of life. She traveled daily to Houston to undergo the testing to be approved as a donor. Her tests yielded positive results and the board approved her to donate on January 12. The transplant  is scheduled for February 10 in Houston. Jean Jacques will have to remain in Texas for a few months after the transplant for monitoring while Melissa returns to Louisiana to recover and care for their children and return to work when she is able. • I thought about organizing meal trains, house cleaning, yard work, babysitting, etc (all of which you can contact me if you wish to contribute!) but with the pandemic & so many unknowns as to how the days will progress after surgery - this is the most sure way I know to relieve at least a few of their burdens. Your donations will help with everything from bills to meals to medical expenses. Anything you wish to donate is greatly appreciated. Also please send all of your prayers and good vibes for a successful transplant for Mom & Dad, followed by an easy recovery. This still seems surreal, but I will forever be in awe of Melissa’s selflessness and Jean Jacques strength. Xoxo