I am writing to humbly request your assistance in securing partial funding for kidney transplant surgery. My name is Taylor Kathryn Douglas, and I am 25 years old. I was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), End-Stage Renal Failure, in April 2022. I have been undergoing 3 – 4 hours of dialysis three times weekly since August 2022. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment, but it is not a cure; it has decimated my quality of life, preventing me from being the productive member of society I always intended to be, and from enjoying all the things in life that a person my age normally would.

When I received my diagnosis I was already a student at the University of the West Indies. While navigating the challenges of my condition and its overwhelming impact, I was able to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and two minors, with honours. This was only possible with hard work, steadfast determination, hundreds of trips to the hospital and the support of my family. This accomplishment has taken a lot out of me, yet there is more I still want to achieve – it is my intention to pursue my Masters degree in Psychology and help as many people as I can thereafter.

At the moment plans for my future are ever more fantasy as I struggle with my disease. My academic plans are on hold, as is the prospect of becoming a professional in my chosen field of study. It is all too clear that even if I am able to complete my studies as described, my prospects for work will be poor due the impact of my onerous dialysis schedule.

My doctors have been very clear that my only prospect for long term health and a return to a normal quality of life, is a kidney transplant. The cost of the surgery is substantial, and I am unable to bear the financial burden alone. My diagnosis is believed to be genetic, as both my father and uncle have similar diagnoses. My father has undergone two transplants, and my uncle has also recently received a transplant. Chronic Kidney Disease has wreaked havoc on my entire family emotionally and financially. The strain of this illness has also profoundly impacted my mental health, and I currently struggle with Major Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD. These challenges, combined with my medical condition, make it increasingly difficult to maintain a sense of normalcy and independence.

Ironically, my Grandfather, Dr. L. Lawson Douglas, is a Professor of Urology, and Surgeon and pioneered kidney transplants in the Caribbean when he performed the first kidney transplant in Jamaica. He subsequently performed many more transplants during the 1970s and 80s, only to now have two sons who needed the procedure, and a granddaughter in need of this surgery. Transplants are no longer available locally, and my grandfather retired from surgery many years ago after saving countless lives from this disease.

I am respectfully requesting funding in the amount of USD $150,000 to contribute to the expense of a kidney transplant which is only available overseas at this time. Securing funding will also allow me to qualify for entry on any number of donor/recipient registries, as I do not have a matching donor among my friends and family.

The financial assistance I seek would not only cover the surgery but also provide a path toward regaining my independence and contributing more meaningfully to society.

Your support could make a transformative difference in my life, and I am profoundly grateful for your help.

Yours respectfully,

Taylor Douglas.