My Story – by Sejung

My name is Sejung Yun. I’m 35 years old, and I was recently diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (stage 5 kidney failure). It came out of nowhere.

While working on a summer school project as an electrician, I suddenly started having trouble breathing. I couldn’t carry tools, walk up stairs, or stay on my feet for long. I went to the doctor and learned my blood pressure was dangerously high — 260. I was already in kidney failure. I was admitted to the ICU and spent eight days in the hospital.

Now I have to do dialysis three times a week, three hours each time just to stay alive — until I can get a kidney transplant.

Physically, I feel weak and tired all the time. But more than anything, I’m overwhelmed by what this means for my future — and for my mom.

It’s just the two of us. I have no other family. She’s 73, and although she’s not totally dependent on me, I help her with everything — especially since she doesn’t speak English and has had several strokes. She’s always been there for me. She gave up everything so I could have a better life, and my greatest hope has always been to give that back to her.

When we came to the U.S. from Korea, I was 15. My mom married an abusive man who kept us locked inside for nearly two years — no school, no friends, no freedom. I eventually escaped with her and found help through a domestic violence shelter called Hope House.

We lived in that shelter for more than two years. It was during that time I made myself a promise: One day, my mom and I would have our own home. A real home. A safe place where we could live freely, like any other family.

That dream has carried me through everything. While living in the shelter, I started high school late — I was almost 18 and just starting ninth grade, but I was determined to move forward.

Later, I went to the College, but I had to leave in my second year when my mom had a stroke. I became her full-time caregiver and worked any job I could find — cleaning, restaurants, laundromats — anything to survive.

Eventually, I became an electrician. It was one of the few paths that let me earn a living while continuing my education. I earned my associate degree in electrical technology, completed my apprenticeship, got licensed, and started leading small projects. Life was finally becoming stable — my mom’s health had improved, and I was proud of how far we’d come.

Then the kidney failure hit.

Everything changed overnight. And now I’m in a place I never imagined — physically drained, uncertain about work, and wondering how I’ll keep being the support my mom has always had in me.

I’m not giving up. But I don’t know what the future holds, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep the promise I made in that shelter years ago.

This is where I am now — still holding onto that dream, still fighting, just trying to figure out what comes next.

From the Campaign Organizer: Why I’m Helping Sejung

My name is Nancy Acord, and I met Sejung about 18 years ago while volunteering with a domestic violence rescue program for women and children. He and his mother were in an unimaginably abusive situation. One of the worst parts was that his stepfather refused to let Sejung attend school — effectively cutting him off from the future every child deserves.

After helping them move into a shelter, I kept in touch. Over the years, I saw Sejung work incredibly hard to rebuild his life. He eventually returned to school, became an electrician, and found stable work. Every time I saw him, he was polite, kind, and cheerful — the kind of person you root for.

Then, out of nowhere, he experienced a devastating medical crisis.

At just 35 years old, Sejung was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. He appeared completely fine just weeks ago — in fact, my text with him on June 29, 2025, said he was planning to stop by around 3:30 p.m., if the thunderstorm let up. None of us saw this coming.

Now he’s on dialysis three times a week and facing an uncertain future. He only has his elderly mother, whom he supports and cares for. Despite everything, he’s still trying to hold onto his American dream — but he can’t do it alone right now.

Sejung needs help.

Please consider supporting him through this difficult time. Any donation, large or small, makes a difference.