Introduction:
My name is Yulonda Williams, and I am dedicated to living my purpose and making a positive impact in the lives of others. Currently, I am facing a serious health challenge. In July, the doctors hospitalized me due to an emergency encounter that led to further testing, where I underwent a CT and MRI scan that revealed a complex inflammatory mass on my right kidney, located near several arteries, raising concerns about potential malignancy.
Challenges in Healthcare Access:
Unfortunately, many top providers are outside my coverage network, and I was unable to access temporary medical insurance because I did not meet the strict eligibility criteria. Moreover, open enrollment for health insurance in Nevada ranges from November 1 to January 15, 2026, which is not feasible given my pressing medical needs.
Current Health Status:
Currently, I'm experiencing multiple debilitating symptoms such as low energy, pain, hematuria, and erratic blood pressure/metabolic issues. These issues have made it difficult for me to work, creating additional financial strain. I recently had an emergency room encounter where I was taken to the hospital via ambulance due to metabolic issues with a blood pressure of systolic over 200 and a diastolic over 112. These issues surfaced when the doctor diagnosed me with influenza/bladder infection in April, which caused the doctor to place me on bed rest. After feeling somewhat better and attempting to work steadily, the above emergency room bout led to my learning about the high concern for kidney cancer in July. I chose to share this information to help others as well.
Consultations and Recommendations:
On August 11, I consulted with a provider at City of Hope, a renowned cancer center in Irvine, CA. The provider recommended surgery to remove the complex mass located near several arteries and discussed refraining from completing a biopsy because it can cause further issues, such as excessive bleeding. However, I was unable to secure the necessary hospital charity funding to move forward with removing the mass from my right kidney.
Further research and referrals led me to a urology surgeon specializing in high-risk procedures who participates in the Christian Sharing Program. The provider discussed the best surgical options to address my case, along with the risks associated with surgically removing the mass on my right kidney, and the complexity of its location near several arteries. Potential complications, according to the provider, include excessive bleeding, which could lead to a blood transfusion to save my life or the removal of my right kidney. He spoke with confidence and discussed his expertise in treating complicated kidney masses.
Future Steps:
I recently spoke with the provider's surgery scheduler to discuss the preparation for surgery, which will involve additional lab testing. I have an appointment for an abdominal ultrasound on September 11, 2025. I must also complete an
X-ray and PET scan (to detect or identify possible cancer in other areas of the body) before surgery. This testing will be crucial in determining the method of treatment before surgery.
Update on 9/28: My PET scan results showed no signs of cancer spreading to other areas of my body.
However, according to the ultrasound, the mass on my right kidney has grown a half a centimeter since my MRI testing was completed on July 24th and is located internally as opposed to externally.
My surgery is currently scheduled for October 20th
Community Support and Financial Assistance:
I am currently not working at this time to tend to my medical needs, and don't qualify for unemployment benefits due to independent status, working status history, or government assistance.
Your donations have and will help cover medical needs, co-pays, membership fees for continued Christian Sharing Care coverage ($482.41), and lost wages to maintain my care/transportation. Before becoming ill, I had almost met my $3,000 deductible, and I am now at $2,550. When I meet the deductible, the plan should cover testing at 100%.
Conclusion:
Prayerfully, I will make it successfully through the surgery after a few days of hospital stay and a month of prospective 4 weeks of recovery without complication. The pre-surgery testing will be favorable, as it could change the direction of my treatment. I will be sure to keep you all informed, and thank you for your assistance in helping me achieve my goal of obtaining adequate care.
Your support is making a tremendous difference by assisting with my initial consultations and more. Having funds to see my providers, obtain medications, and essentials involving my care is priceless, as this situation is frightening enough, but knowing I have you all means the world to me. I appreciate your support, and I'm grateful to you all (friends, friends of friends, family, and brothers and sisters in Christ), and I will never forget the support you have shown.
I aim to be transparent, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to me safely through GoFundMe messaging or directly if you have my contact information. The ongoing support, whether it be monetary or in the form of positive words, hugs, prayers, and positive thoughts, means a lot to me more than you can imagine.
P.S. My initial consultation on August 11 cost $730.97. You all helped me get the ball rolling!
My co-pay is $75 for every specialty appointment and $25 for my primary care provider (PCP).
Your help has been invaluable since I've made my medical announcement. Thank you all so much.
Organizer
Yulonda Williams
Organizer
Las Vegas, NV


