A New Kidney, A New Life

It has been said that strength is a virtue that encourages and inspires others. And if that is the case, Jenilee’s strength and spirit have become an inspiration to ALL of us, teaching us to never lose hope. She is not alone in her 10+ year struggle for survival of Lupus Nephritis. Just this past weekend Jenilee's brother, Leonard, lost his two-year battle with cancer. He was only 33 years old. As she and her family grieve his loss, Jenilee must continue to deal with her own health concerns, as Lupus demands her constant effort and attention.

Recently, Jenilee received the wonderful news that not only could she finally begin Peritoneal Dialysis, which can be done in the comfort of her own home, but she was also placed on the UCSD transplant list making her eligible to receive a new kidney as early as next year!!! This gift could provide Jenilee a sense of freedom, of comfort, and the ability to live a normal life, something we all take for granted on a daily basis. However, with something as significant as a kidney transplant comes significant medical expenses not covered by insurance. Jenilee will have to take a leave of absence at work and relocate to San Diego for a minimum of three months (therefore pay rent at two residences), attend regular doctor appointments that require out-of-pocket copays, take medications that require out-of-pocket copays, pay her monthly bills, as well as any other expenses associated with the operation and recovery. She will have to pay for all of this while being without a regular income.

The goal: Let’s give Jenilee the gift of peace of mind. Let’s give her the positive thoughts and prayers that a match will be found soon and will provide her the ability to begin again. Let’s give her the gift to be able to focus on getting well, healing completely, and starting a new life that she has only dreamed of and fought toward for the past 10 years. Give her the possibility of normalcy, of a life outside of dialysis, of children, of travel, of health, of freedom, of peace. Let’s give back the inspiration, the grace, and the kindness that she has blessed us with every day. LET’S HELP GIVE HER THE NEW LIFE SHE DESERVES!!!