Support Shannon's Kidney Transplant
Donation protected
As many of you know, Shannon was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease in her early twenties. She was told that she would have complete kidney failure by 40, but true to form, she didn’t listen and got there at 47 instead. PKD is a genetic disease that resulted in her dad passing away at 57 after doing dialysis for several years.
You can read more about PKD here, but the important thing to know is that it takes the normal, healthy, 5-ounce kidneys and causes them to grow huge cysts, ballooning the kidneys to 20-30 pounds EACH and making them the size of footballs! This causes the kidneys to fail, along with making its sufferers struggle with the pain, fatigue and illness that comes along with huge kidneys and chronic kidney disease. There is no cure for PKD.
Shannon has known for decades that she would eventually have kidney failure, and assumed she’d do dialysis and wait on the transplant list for years. However, while doing training in Maryland in 2016, a miracle happened. While eating lunch with training clients, the topic of her kidney disease came up and one of the trainees offered to provide a kidney when it reached that point. As shocking an offer as it was to Shannon, those around her weren’t that surprised- she’s the kind of person who provides a light in the world and people can feel that when they’re around her. But the miracle didn’t stop there; the potential donor, Carmen, not only meant every word of what she said, but turned out to be a practically perfect match. They match as if they were sisters and the transplant team said it could only be a better match if they were twins. To have such a compassionate, altruistic, kind person be such a great match can only be described as a marvel.
The transplant will take place May 23, 2018. The costs involved with the transplant are considerable; even with insurance, there will be out of packet maximums to be met, and Shannon will be responsible for covering Carmen’s costs as well, including travel, lodging, lost wages, and the travel costs of her caregivers. Additionally, Shannon will be out of work for 3-4 months while recovering.
When we reached out to ask people to describe Shannon, the same adjectives came up over and over. Kind, generous, funny, compassionate were all used multiple times. She is supportive in words, thoughts, and actions. She was originally resistant to the idea of accepting help, but eventually she gave us the thumbs-up to put this together. If she has ever made you laugh, helped you understand something better, put a smile on your face, or in any way made your day a little better, we ask that you contribute toward this fund. Even a $5 donation adds up! If you cannot spare a donation, please share and spread the word. We are setting the goal at the bare minimum costs but there will be a lot more ancillary expenses as well so it would be great to go over! Absolutely all donations raised will go toward medical expenses or ancillary costs associated with the transplant and donor care.
You can read more about PKD here, but the important thing to know is that it takes the normal, healthy, 5-ounce kidneys and causes them to grow huge cysts, ballooning the kidneys to 20-30 pounds EACH and making them the size of footballs! This causes the kidneys to fail, along with making its sufferers struggle with the pain, fatigue and illness that comes along with huge kidneys and chronic kidney disease. There is no cure for PKD.
Shannon has known for decades that she would eventually have kidney failure, and assumed she’d do dialysis and wait on the transplant list for years. However, while doing training in Maryland in 2016, a miracle happened. While eating lunch with training clients, the topic of her kidney disease came up and one of the trainees offered to provide a kidney when it reached that point. As shocking an offer as it was to Shannon, those around her weren’t that surprised- she’s the kind of person who provides a light in the world and people can feel that when they’re around her. But the miracle didn’t stop there; the potential donor, Carmen, not only meant every word of what she said, but turned out to be a practically perfect match. They match as if they were sisters and the transplant team said it could only be a better match if they were twins. To have such a compassionate, altruistic, kind person be such a great match can only be described as a marvel.
The transplant will take place May 23, 2018. The costs involved with the transplant are considerable; even with insurance, there will be out of packet maximums to be met, and Shannon will be responsible for covering Carmen’s costs as well, including travel, lodging, lost wages, and the travel costs of her caregivers. Additionally, Shannon will be out of work for 3-4 months while recovering.
When we reached out to ask people to describe Shannon, the same adjectives came up over and over. Kind, generous, funny, compassionate were all used multiple times. She is supportive in words, thoughts, and actions. She was originally resistant to the idea of accepting help, but eventually she gave us the thumbs-up to put this together. If she has ever made you laugh, helped you understand something better, put a smile on your face, or in any way made your day a little better, we ask that you contribute toward this fund. Even a $5 donation adds up! If you cannot spare a donation, please share and spread the word. We are setting the goal at the bare minimum costs but there will be a lot more ancillary expenses as well so it would be great to go over! Absolutely all donations raised will go toward medical expenses or ancillary costs associated with the transplant and donor care.
Organizer and beneficiary
Linda Watts
Organizer
Longmont, CO
Shannon Stangis
Beneficiary
