My name is Mark Ferrell and I'm married to the most amazing woman on the planet. However, she's not perfect. You see, she was born with underdeveloped kidneys, which have, after long last, pooped out. They are the size of walnuts and just don't work anymore. Call me crazy, but I'd like her to live a bit longer, so...

On April 10, 2025, my wife Rebecca will be receiving the gift of life: a fully functioning kidney from our incredible-angel-donor-hero-amazing human being, Vickie! Words cannot express how grateful Rebecca and I are for her selflessness, courage, and unwavering support.

With this new chapter, however, comes some enormous financial burdens. Since we have switched from UC Davis in Sacramento, California to Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, the costs are a lot higher than we originally anticipated. We need to secure lodging for at least six weeks, along with flights, accommodations, and transportation for Vickie and her husband, Craig. Rebecca and I will also need to be in Arizona for up to two months if all goes well. Additionally, Rebecca and I will have to travel back and forth for check-ups over the next year, which means more travel expenses. And there are some other unknown expenses surrounding medications/anti-rejection drugs that we are trying to anticipate. It's all a bit overwhelming.

Many of you have asked how you can help, and your kindness and generosity mean the world to us. To ease the financial strain, we've set up this GoFundMe to help cover these costs. We definitely want to cover ALL of Vickie and Craig’s travel expenses and time off work—anything we can do to make sure they are comfortable and have everything their beautiful hearts desire. They are doing quite enough without taking on an additional financial burden. Your help and support will allow us to do that without going into debt.

As you might guess, the stress of the surgery, recovery, and the reality of Rebecca's changed life as a result of her suppressed immune system are a lot to cope with without having to worry about finances too. Our gratitude for your help during this very vulnerable time in our lives is immeasurable.

Thank you so very much for any help you can offer.