The journey for a new kidney

My name is Nikki Pope and I’m asking for help. I never thought I’d be doing something like this. My husband and I are typically on the other end of fundraising. We have hosted many basketball tournaments over the years to help support local families in need. However, we are now the ones in need. One thing I have learned over the years is that we shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help.

Let me introduce you to my dad, Thomas.

Dad was diagnosed at the end of last year with end stage renal failure. He went from working 60+ hours a week and enjoying life to a new world of disabilities and crippling medical expenses without being able to work many hours to help him keep up.

If you know my Dad at all, you know that he would never ask for help. He has always been such a hard worker and never relied on anyone for anything. That’s the hardest part. His ability to to maintain his independence has been stripped away… for now at least.

Despite all of the bad, there is good coming from this. My dad is lined up to receive a donor kidney from his own sister! That is the absolute best case scenario! That means that there are no waiting list and that the process moves along much faster! We are just praying that everything continues to move along as planned and that we are able to get his new kidney in just a few months! The bad news is, up to this point, Dad has not been able to receive any disability benefits. Between frequent doctor visits, dialysis equipment, and medication, what money he has coming in goes quickly. Once the surgery is complete, he will have to be on anti rejection medication for the rest of his life. It all is so expensive. This has been a hard adjustment and it seems to be getting harder everyday.

if you are able to donate, please do.

If you’re not financially able, we ask that you pray for our family and especially for my Dad. We hope that he is able to thrive again soon. I want to see my Dad thrive again ❤️

Thank you for taking the time to read his story.