My name is Shoy, and I am 24 years old. At this age, I never imagined I would be facing such a daunting battle. I’m reaching out through this GoFundMe because I am in desperate need of a kidney transplant.

It all began last October 2024 while I was on vacation, a time that should have been filled with joy and adventure. My family noticed I wasn’t feeling well; I was constantly throwing up and unable to enjoy the moments we had together. Concerned for my health, they made the difficult decision to take me to the hospital. That decision saved my life.

Upon arrival, I underwent blood tests, and within hours, I was rushed into surgery. I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure, also known as stage five kidney disease. The gravity of this diagnosis hit me like a ton of bricks. I had never experienced anything like this before, and the fear of the unknown was overwhelming. They placed a catheter in my neck as a temporary measure for dialysis, but soon after, I had to undergo another surgery to get a permanent catheter placed in my chest.

Adjusting to dialysis has been one of the hardest challenges of my life. I go three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—at 3 AM. While I know this treatment is keeping me alive, it feels like it’s stealing my youth and my dreams. The vibrant life I once led, filled with basketball games, beach outings, and gym sessions, has been replaced by the sterile, cold environment of the dialysis clinic. I used to be full of ambition and energy, but now I often feel drained and defeated.

I currently work for the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), a job I love, but my health has made it incredibly challenging. The exhaustion from dialysis makes it hard to focus, and I find myself struggling to keep up with my responsibilities. I miss the simple joys of life, the laughter with friends, and the freedom to pursue my passions.

Despite these challenges, my faith in God has grown stronger, and I cling to hope for a better future. But I can’t do this alone. I need your help to raise funds for a kidney transplant, which is my only chance at reclaiming my life and pursuing my dreams once again. Your support can help me break free from the chains of this illness and allow me to experience the joys of being young again. Thank you for considering my plea. Your kindness means the world to me.