Support Raphael Louis Jones' Kidney Transplant Journey

Hey everyone my name is Raphael Louis Jones

I am currently undergoing dialysis treatment. Dialysis is a medical procedure that filters waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function effectively. It is a type of renal replacement therapy, often utilized when kidneys fail. There are two primary types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Since 2011, I have been undergoing hemodialysis, which involves three treatments per week, each lasting four hours, at a clinic.

To provide some background, my kidneys failed in August 2011 following an appendectomy, which resulted in a ruptured appendix that leaked bacteria into my bloodstream, causing kidney failure. I promptly commenced dialysis treatment.

While undergoing dialysis, I went through transplant evaluations and testing and was placed on the transplant list. In June 2012, I was taken off dialysis due to the unexpected return of my kidney function. From that point until 2015, I remained off dialysis. Unfortunately, I was unaware that I had been removed from the transplant list and did not discover this until the end of 2018. Subsequently, I initiated the evaluation process again in February 2019. However, the pandemic complicated my appointments, as each patient undergoing evaluation is allotted only a few weeks to seven months to complete the process and qualify for the transplant list. Once on the list, the waiting period before a kidney becomes available varies depending on one's blood type. In my case, the waiting period is approximately 10 years, unless I have a living donor willing to donate their kidney.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and scheduling, I was ultimately unable to be placed on the list. Now that I reside in Atlanta (Riverdale), I have decided to initiate the evaluation process again, with the goal of being placed on the transplant list locally.

Once I am on the list, my years of dialysis treatment will be taken into account, which will shorten my waiting period. My transplant team has advised me to commence crowdfunding in preparation for the surgery and follow-up appointments, which will be required for 30 days. Emory Medical Hospital, located approximately 45 minutes from my residence in Riverdale, Georgia, will require me to visit three to four times a week for post-operative monitoring. Consequently, I will require financial support, as I will be unable to work during this period. Additionally, if I have a living donor, I will be responsible for covering their travel, transportation, and housing expenses, as these costs are not covered by the hospital.

I have established this Gofund me account to assist me throughout this process. Any donation, regardless of the amount, would be greatly appreciated and will help me reach my goal.

Thank you in advance, and I hold each and every one of you in high regard.

With love