Together for Akeisha's Health and Future

While walking across the stage, in pursuit of an education degree from North Carolina Central University, Akeisha Ortiz collapsed. A day that was originally dedicated to celebrating her huge achievement, became the day she was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease.

Subsequently, she spent most of her adulthood on dialysis. Despite the initial setback, she dedicated herself to helping others and managed to pursue a decorated twenty-year career in elementary education, including winning Teacher of the Year, multiple times. Even with her health challenges, her resilient nature gave her the strength to pursue a degree from Harvard University, where, after graduating, she would have an award-winning career helping Harvard graduate students with their degree pursuits. While there, she also co-founded the Greener Scott Scholars Program, which is the first and only mentorship program for Black students at Harvard. Akeisha also took her love for education abroad, by teaching in Japan, through a teaching exchange program. Not only has she inspired and positively impacted countless students, in different parts of the world, but she is also the big sister and inspiration to her five younger siblings, who not only viewed her as a second mother, but her tenacity, despite her health, inspired them to pursue their dreams and be successful in their fields, regardless of the obstacles they encountered.

While working in education is spiritually rewarding, it could not provide Akeisha with enough savings for her future financial needs. Currently, her condition has deteriorated to the point that it has kept her from the work she loves, but the medical bills (including for a very expensive transplant surgery), and other care expenses continue to mount. We are humbly asking for your help saving our loved one from the prolonged misery of her failing health, and the misery we would endure if we lost her. You and this life saving transplant are our only hope.

Akeisha, describes herself as a “community servant and a waymaker.” Your small donation here, will make a way for her to continue to touch so many more lives in a major way, too. Any amount you contribute is a blessing, not just for Akeisha, but for the countless others she will continue to bless in her future.