Kristin's Kidneys
Donation protected
It was recommended that I start a GoFundMe. It wasnt something that I really thought to do or even really WANTED to do, honestly. Ive never been one who asked for help easily and what I am currently facing , I felt like help would be too much to ask for. I am basically fighting for my future, my health, and my life, in a nutshell.
Here is my story. 2 years ago, I wound up in the hospital for anemia. Iron supplements and b-12 shots were not improving which lead Dr's to believe that there was an underlying cause. It was discovered that I have a kidney disease called PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) The anemia has been one of a few side symptoms of the disease but it was what helped me get diagnosed.
Here is the kicker. The multiple transfusions I've had to have regarding my anemia have caused me to have anti HLA antibodies which cause a HIGH rejection rate in organ transplantation. As a result, I am not eligible to get on the list to have one. I have been on dialysis for almost 2 yrs now and while its currently working, those treatments will become more and more necessary as the disease progresses. HLA antibodies do not go away on their own. The disease is bilateral, meaning it is in both kidneys and will only progress. The only way to stop its progression will be with a kidney transplant.
My nephrologist has informed me that there is a treatment avilable to me called a PLASMAPHERESIS. It is removing the plasma in my blood with a plasma replacement that will reduce the HLA antibodies and allow me to get on the list.
As with any major medical treatment, this one will cost me close to 10K as Medicare doesnt pay for this treatment. It is considered experiemental. The closest specialized center near me that does the "desensitization" treatments and is located in Greenville, NC. about 200 miles away from me.
My income is very low, I cant sugarcoat this. I make less than $875.00 a month on disability. With rent, electricity, insurance, gas, phone, and my internet being my only "luxury"..most months I am backwards. Ive been supplementing my bills by performing on SecondLife and cashing out the inworld currency to pay bills I wouldnt be able to pay for otherwise.
Ive been as resourceful as I can be, getting a lot of the medical fees reduced based on my income as well as involving Christian Charities. What it all boils down to is that each treatment will cost me $300.00 per treatment. The sessions are 5 times a week for two weeks. I also have to pay for travel expenses and lodging as it is outpatient treatment.
I dont know that I can describe to you the feeling of having this carrot dangled in front of me and then being told how much it will cost me. I already have troubles making ends meet, and being told that its "only" a fraction of what it would normally cost me to have this done to get on the donor list to save my life.. It is humiliating. It is debilitating. It's frightening to know that in the grand scheme of things, my life is really hanging in a 4 thousand dollar balance.
At this point, Ive realized I have probably said way to much. Im a singer, im wordy - sorry. I dont know how to keep things short and sweet. I can only say my most humbled, honored and sincerest "Thank you" to anyone who is willing to help and even then those words seem so very inadequate for what you would be helping me to do.
Here is my story. 2 years ago, I wound up in the hospital for anemia. Iron supplements and b-12 shots were not improving which lead Dr's to believe that there was an underlying cause. It was discovered that I have a kidney disease called PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) The anemia has been one of a few side symptoms of the disease but it was what helped me get diagnosed.
Here is the kicker. The multiple transfusions I've had to have regarding my anemia have caused me to have anti HLA antibodies which cause a HIGH rejection rate in organ transplantation. As a result, I am not eligible to get on the list to have one. I have been on dialysis for almost 2 yrs now and while its currently working, those treatments will become more and more necessary as the disease progresses. HLA antibodies do not go away on their own. The disease is bilateral, meaning it is in both kidneys and will only progress. The only way to stop its progression will be with a kidney transplant.
My nephrologist has informed me that there is a treatment avilable to me called a PLASMAPHERESIS. It is removing the plasma in my blood with a plasma replacement that will reduce the HLA antibodies and allow me to get on the list.
As with any major medical treatment, this one will cost me close to 10K as Medicare doesnt pay for this treatment. It is considered experiemental. The closest specialized center near me that does the "desensitization" treatments and is located in Greenville, NC. about 200 miles away from me.
My income is very low, I cant sugarcoat this. I make less than $875.00 a month on disability. With rent, electricity, insurance, gas, phone, and my internet being my only "luxury"..most months I am backwards. Ive been supplementing my bills by performing on SecondLife and cashing out the inworld currency to pay bills I wouldnt be able to pay for otherwise.
Ive been as resourceful as I can be, getting a lot of the medical fees reduced based on my income as well as involving Christian Charities. What it all boils down to is that each treatment will cost me $300.00 per treatment. The sessions are 5 times a week for two weeks. I also have to pay for travel expenses and lodging as it is outpatient treatment.
I dont know that I can describe to you the feeling of having this carrot dangled in front of me and then being told how much it will cost me. I already have troubles making ends meet, and being told that its "only" a fraction of what it would normally cost me to have this done to get on the donor list to save my life.. It is humiliating. It is debilitating. It's frightening to know that in the grand scheme of things, my life is really hanging in a 4 thousand dollar balance.
At this point, Ive realized I have probably said way to much. Im a singer, im wordy - sorry. I dont know how to keep things short and sweet. I can only say my most humbled, honored and sincerest "Thank you" to anyone who is willing to help and even then those words seem so very inadequate for what you would be helping me to do.
Organizer
Kristin Craig
Organizer
Conway, SC
