Dena Matthews Kidney Fund

My story... I am Dena Jones-Matthews and I am on the right of this photo and my beautiful daughter is on the left. I am  suffering from kidney failure and currently need dialysis and a kidney donor.

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Western Hills High School.  I worked for Federated Department Stores which is now Macy’s 20 years before moving to Savannah, GA in 2002 with my beautiful daughter Desiree.

We then moved to Savannah for 11 years.  During this time, I took up tennis, played softball and did my first 5k in the hottest month (August) of the year in Savannah. It is/was a wonderful place to live and the people were very friendly.  I started working at Verisign, unfortunately the company closed in 2012 and I had difficulties finding a new job.  My baby girl graduated from high school during this time and was able to help out at this difficult period (so proud of her!).  I first noticed issues with my health when I lost my job and became depressed during this period.  I decided to work out to relieve stress.  I noticed during workouts, I got so tired to the point I thought I was going to pass out. I just thought I was fat and out of shape and didn't think anything of it at the time.  

Due to the constant stress of not being able to find a stable job, we made the difficult choice of coming back to Cincinnati because of ongoing health issues.  Once I moved back, I was able to gain employment with my previous employer in Cincinnati and then got married to my high school sweetheart. During this time, my mother recommended that Desiree and I go to the free clinic for a checkup and that's when they noticed protein in my urine.

Several months later, I went to my mother's doctor and he gave me a physical with the same result regarding the protein and was then referred to a specialist.  The specialist stated that my kidney is currently functioning at 30%, which means I will have to go to a dialysis class.  This was the last thing I wanted to hear because I told myself I'm not doing dialysis. To hear that I need dialysis and a transplant, at that moment I went numb and didn't hear anything else because I was in shock.

I hate how this makes me feel drained, tired, no energy and sometimes no brain...SCARY.  I have moments when I can't remember how I went to work or home.  I'm still a newlywed with a handsome hubby to take care of.  The thoughts of not being here to see grandkids from my precious daughter and the constant joy of spending time with my family and extended family whom I love very much is unimaginable.

I currently have medical coverage, but I received word that our company will make modifications with additional restrictions starting in July of this year.  This will impact what I currently need for payment assistance with ongoing doctor visits, medication and surgeries as needed.  My family wanted to create this website for assistance and I won't lie...I am not a big fan of putting my business out there but they finally convinced me and helped me communicate my cause.    

I know GOD is still working with me either to accept my path or he will work a miracle on my kidney...I still have hope and been praying, but either way I'm going to be ok.

*Any donation will be greatly appreciated, no matter how big or small.  Thank You!!!