Support Kelsea's Fight Against Nephrotic Syndrome

My name is Kelsea Carroll and I'm 12 years old. I have been battling a disease called nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome causes your kidneys to release too much protein in your pee. In nicer words, my kidneys don't filter the toxins out of my body. I had to be on a medication called prednisone, which has caused me to become diabetic and depend on insulin every day. I have been living with this condition since I was about 3 years old and have become accustomed to having treatment 3 times a week every week for the past 11 years at Loma Linda Hospital in Loma Linda, CA.

This condition has caused me to miss out on so many things that when you're an adult, you are able to remember the memories of your first school dance or having a sleepover at your friend's house. I have a port that has been installed under my skin so when I do treatment 3 times a week, I don't have to constantly get poked. After so long, the port does go bad and does have to be replaced, which then means I have to go back into surgery so they can place the old prot with a new port. I have now had two surgeries to replace the port. They say one day I should grow out of it, but it sure feels like this has just become a part of my life forever. They don't know how it is caused and they don't know how to cure it; they only know how to treat it and mask it with medication.

I do believe in God and pray every day that He delivers me from this sickness. I have two sisters, Kyleigh and Kenzie. I have a mom named Tiffany and a dad named Kenny. My family is very supportive, but I know it sometimes gets frustrating that I can't do things with them that normal sisters do. My body is too tired and weak; sometimes I just can't get out of bed. My mom and my dad work full-time jobs, and thank God that their workplaces are very understanding. They have to take a lot of time off to take care of my everyday needs living with this condition. Sometimes I ask God why He made me like this. He gave me the answer: because I am strong and with the power of God, He can do anything, which I know one day He will rid my body of this horrible disease.

My Aunt Lacy started a GoFundMe page to raise money to help my parents pay for the medications, treatments, hospital visits, surgery, etc. I really appreciate any help you can give me. This money will help lessen the stress on my family.