Meet Tessa

Tessa Nixon is a 38-year-old native of Boise, Idaho. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 6, she has managed the disease with grace for nearly her whole life. She is passionate about the outdoors, devoted to her family and dogs, and dedicated to helping others. Her compassion shines through in her work as an operator for the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, where she provides crucial support and intervention for people facing their darkest moments. She maintains close relationships with her mother Sue, twin brother Sam, and loving partner, Garrod. Over the years, Tessa has spent many summers working at Camp Hodia, a camp for children with diabetes, giving back to a community she knows well.

Tessa's Current Situation

Tessa has managed diabetes for 32 years and has had kidney disease since she was a teenager. This past winter, a double infection caused her kidneys to decline rapidly. Currently, her kidneys are functioning at just 9% capacity, and she's been on nightly dialysis for the past two months. Tessa is now #7 on the transplant list for both a kidney and a pancreas.

The Transplant Opportunity

Tessa could receive a call at any moment for an immediate transplant surgery in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah Health Transplant Center. This double transplant offers the chance of a life free from both kidney disease and diabetes. When this call comes, the clock starts ticking. Tessa and her mother, Sue, will need get to Salt Lake City on the soonest flight.

Financial Needs

Any support in allowing Tessa to cover the costs of this life-saving surgery are so appreciated. While Medicaid will cover the transplant surgery, Tessa faces significant uncovered expenses:

1. Emergency Travel: Immediate flights from Boise to Salt Lake City

2. Extended Stay in Salt Lake City:

3. Other Medical Expenses: Including insurance co-pays, medications, medical supplies, possible home car nursing support, and potential uncovered procedures or treatments

4. Ongoing Travel: Quarterly trips to Salt Lake City for a year post-surgery

5. Living Expenses: Tessa will be unable to work during 4-6 month recovery period

Thank you so much for supporting Tessa's journey to improved health! If you are unable to donate, please share this page with your networks.

We'll provide regular updates on Tessa's condition and the use of funds throughout this process.