kidney transplant fund

My name is Denise Carcamo-Youngblood. My husband, Johnnie Lee Yougblood Sr., suffered a heart attack in 2009 and was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is a raredisease that attacks the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli) causing serious scarring which leads to permanent kidney damage and as in Johnnie’s case – kidney failure. For 8 years Johnnie has been on kidney dialysis, getting treatments three times a week to survive. A decent quality of life on dialysis is only guaranteed for 10 years and now at year eight his health is starting to deteriorate quickly. Johnnie must be placed on the kidney transplant list. Unfortunately we were just told that we must have $18,000 saved in the bank before he can even be placed on the transplant list. This money is to cover the medications that are needed to maintain the kidneys once you are approved for transplant.As a survivor of breast cancer, I know the fear of dying and the complications that accompany a catastrophic illness. Johnnie pushed through his own health struggles when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was my greatest cheerleader, focusing on my need to get well before his own. That is the kind of man he is. He is a great friend, the “life of the party”, and a positive leader and role model in the community. He was a football and track coach at several schools in Las Vegas, receiving Coach of the Year at Mojave High School in 2014.  A mentor & behavioral skills trainer to troubled youth. Unfortunately, due to the progression of his illness he has been unable to work full-time. This decrease in income is especially problematic now that his condition is a matter of life and death. Thankfully, I was able to receive help and treatment for my cancer without encountering any great financial obstacles but there is no such treatment for my husband and we do not have the resources to overcome this financial hurdle on our own. His only hope is a kidney transplant and in order to even begin the process we must be able to show $18,000 in our bank account. We are not just sitting around waiting for hand-outs either. Johnnie and I are doing whatever it takes to save the money. I work two jobs and Johnnie drives for Uber once or twice a week if he is able to handle sitting up. We are working hard to fund raise, getting the word out to anyone who can potentially help. This is why I am writing to you. Any amount you give will help us get closer to saving Johnnie’s life. No donation is too small. Anything is accepted with our deepest gratitude. If you can’t give but still want to support our cause, please share our story with anyone who can help. With more people aware of our fight, we will be one step closer to getting him on the transplant list and giving him the chance to live. Johnnie and I would like to thank you in advance for your support and prayers.