On May 5th, my life changed forever. I went to the emergency room simply to get blood pressure medication because my primary care doctor had been reassigned and I couldn’t see a new provider for months. I expected a routine visit. Instead, my blood pressure was 230/144, and I was rushed back with a hypertensive emergency. I complained of a severe headache and blurred vision in my left eye. I was given medications I hadn’t received before and was reassured they were safe, including what was described as a “Benadryl cocktail.” Shortly after, my body began burning, my chest felt tight, and I became terrified as staff warned I was at risk of a stroke. Then suddenly, my vision went completely black. I could hear—but I couldn’t see. It was the scariest moment of my life. About 30 minutes later, my vision returned. I was transferred by ambulance from Sentara Independence Hospital to Virginia Beach General Hospital, where I stayed for nearly two weeks undergoing MRIs, CT scans, lumbar punctures, and more. I was initially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a diagnosis that never felt right. At a follow-up appointment, my neurologist confirmed I did not have MS and also informed me that I had suffered a heart attack during my hospital stay.

From May through December 2025, I was in and out of hospitals, repeatedly misdiagnosed. Finally, a nephrologist ordered a kidney biopsy. The results were devastating: Stage 5 kidney disease, with my kidney function at 16%. I was told there was no chance to reverse the damage and that once kidney function drops below 10%, the kidneys can no longer work on their own. I couldn’t understand how it took eight months to discover my kidneys were failing—especially after reviewing my labs and seeing the numbers steadily decline. At the time, I didn’t understand the medical terminology. I now believe my health concerns were not properly prioritized. On January 7th, I had a catheter placed in my body to begin dialysis. At 34 years old, this is not a reality I ever imagined. By the time you read this, I will have already completed two dialysis treatments, frightened of what lies ahead and praying for the chance at a kidney transplant.

I am asking for financial support, prayers, and words of encouragement as I navigate this overwhelming journey. No amount is too small—and if you’re unable to donate, your kind words alone would mean more than you know. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for standing with me during one of the hardest chapters of my life.