Support Heidi's Post-Transplant Recovery

Hi, my name is Heidi. I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 46 years, since I was 10. Despite my BEST efforts eventually the disease attacked my kidneys. I have been on dialysis for 3 years awaiting a donor kidney and pancreas. 

It has been a very difficult journey as I have watched my health, my career as a mental health clinician, and my relationships suffer greatly. (Thank you with all my heart to those of you who have continued to stand by me through this!)

I just learned that I am in the #1 position in my blood type group to be offered a kidney and a pancreas for transplant. I have been praying for the family that will inevitably lose a loved one so that I can live. 

I am extremely blessed to have good health insurance which will cover most of the cost of the surgery and hospital stay. However, I will have to stay in Los Angeles for 3 months after being released from the hospital. I live near Sacramento and won’t be recovered enough to travel back and forth for the many doctor’s visits that will be necessary. 

I am hoping to be able to rent a home or Air B&B for those months following my release. My German Shepherd Fritz will be staying with me after I’m out of the hospital. I don’t think I’d have made it this far without him. 

As I have researched the approximate cost I was shocked to discover it will likely be between $15,000-$20,000, depending on the season I receive the miracle phone call from the transplant team, for housing and transportation costs. Since I’ve had to temporarily all but give up my beloved career, I’m barely making it now. I don’t know how I will be able to afford the cost of a roof over our heads while I recover. 

Anything that anyone can give will be appreciated far beyond any words can say, but I will certainly try. I will be forever grateful ❤️

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, prayers, and support.

Much love,

Heidi and Fritzy