My Story

Hello all. My name is Katrina Jones and I have been looking for a kidney for 7 years now. I have been on waiting lists at several hospitals along the east coast. I’ve had 9 surgeries including some emergency ones to help me stay as healthy as possible while I waited for my miracle.

I was a Principal pursuing my Doctorate when my kidneys failed. At the same time, my mom’s health was failing after she suffered several strokes so I returned home to assist my parents with all I could. I was sick but helping my parents kept me going or maybe I just kept going because I needed to help my parents. I lost so much – my mom, my job, my career, my way of life, my independence, my health, and just being able to rely on myself to take care of myself. The losses took a toll on me. My reality and identity kept changing with each loss, but I did not lose my faith.

Eventually, I began to understand and accept that I’m on this path not just for me, but for anyone who’s a witness to this journey and anyone I could help and encourage along the way (even though I needed that same encouragement) as I began waiting for MY kidney transplant. After 7 years, it IS MINE! I thank God immensely because the road was hard. He has strengthened and renewed my faith. God is truly amazing!

The Lord is my sustainer, my provider, my waymaker, my protector, my deliverer, and my healer! He is continually teaching me patience, perseverance, resilience, trust, and belief in Him!

He is A God of A Second Chance!

My journey continues on as the Lord has truly made a way for me to live abundantly with a new LIVING KIDNEY DONOR. My miracle came via phone call last Tuesday – they found a living donor in Tampa, Florida willing to share a part of them to help me live!

My Ask

The ball started moving quickly with plans for pre-op and surgery. My pre-op is scheduled for September 13 and my surgery 2 weeks later on September 26.

After the surgery and once discharged from the hospital, I must return daily for follow-up appointments until I am released to return home to North Carolina. I am overjoyed, extremely grateful, blessed, and highly favored. My heart is so full right now with all the happiness and love and for this donor’s desire to save a life, MY LIFE. For that, I am unbelievably grateful.

I’m sharing this with you to not only give you hope but to endure the long-suffering, continue the fight, stay in prayer, keep your faith strong, and be encouraged that with the Lord all things are possible!

While my disability and supplemental insurance will cover the bulk of the surgery expenses, it will not cover it all. With your support, I will be able to cover travel expenses that include 2-to-3-month housing I will need in Tampa (End of September to at least the end of November), transportation to and from Tampa and to and from the hospital daily, food, out of pocket medical expenses as the medicine is extremely expensive.

This is my personal plea and request for all uplifting prayers, positive thoughts, good energy, positive vibes, phone calls, messages, and monetary donations to help make this newest journey go as smoothly as possible. Please, donate whatever amount you can. No amount is too great or too small. I have one HUGE donation my living donor is giving me – please consider making it possible for me to capitalize on this amazing gift.

Thank you in advance for being a remarkable part of my testimony. You are now a very important part of my journey also.