Support Kyle Jones in His Fight Against Kidney Disease!

As Kidney Action Week 2025 comes to an end, I am reaching out to my village for support for a very dear friend that along the way became family! Many of you know who it is but for those of you that don’t I would like to introduce you to my BFF’s husband, my God-daughter’s step-dad, DJ’s Pop Pop And my friend, Kyle Jones!

Kyle holds many important titles: He’s also a son, a brother, an uncle, an amazing chef that has provided nutrition to students in the Winslow School District for decades but very recently, Kyle was also diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney Disease.

I realize many may not know exactly what the toll of this journey is but I am sure we all know how an unexpected health crisis can impact life, finances, and cause insecurities in many areas. Unfortunately our systems (Unemployment, Disability, & SSI) that are in place to help during these difficult times are failing this family right now and that’s why your donations are so needed this at this time.

As you can imagine this was the last resort but trying to navigate life and health crisis without an income since December has been devastating.

It’s also Kyle’s Birthday Month so let’s help him celebrate by blessing him with peace of mind by lifting the financial burden (even just a little) so he can focus on getting better and looking ahead to many more birthdays!

Ways to Support & Donate:

Directly through the Gofundme Giving Link

Cash App $SShanklin

Venmo @Stephanie-Shanklin

Zelle - while I have Zelle, I prefer not to use it at this time as I want to ensure transparency at every level!

EGift cards - Grocery Stores, Costco, restaurants.

Thank you for kindness and generosity and I hope you share this opportunity to be a blessing with your family and friends!

Facts:

Kidney disease, also known as “chronic kidney disease (CKD),” causes more deaths each year than breast cancer or prostate cancer. It is the under-recognized public health crisis.

About 35.5 million U.S. adults are estimated to have kidney disease—that’s more than 1 in 7 (14%).

About 9 in 10 adults with kidney disease (≈90%) do not know they have it.

People with kidney disease may not feel ill or notice symptoms until the disease is advanced

About 1 in 3 (40%) of adults with severe kidney disease* don’t know they have it.

1 in 3 adults in the U.S. (33%) is at risk for kidney disease

Two simple tests (blood/urine) can detect kidney disease early. Earliest detection is crucial so that further damage can be slowed or stopped.

30% of all patients with kidney failure are Black/African American, even though this group is 13% of the U.S. population.

Almost one-third of people on the kidney transplant waitlist are Black/African American. Black/African American transplant recipients are also less likely to receive a kidney from a living donor.

#kidney4kyle!