As many of you know, I was born with an incurable kidney disease that I have struggled with my entire adult life. Polycystic Kidney Disease causes thousands of cysts to form in all areas of the kidneys in various sizes. It also spreads to other organs in the body. Both of my kidneys were affected as well as my liver and pancreas so far. There is no treatment, there is no cure. Kidneys can double, triple and more in size because of the cysts. June of 2024 I ended up in the hospital 5 days after getting married and remained there for over a month. Several of the cysts on my left kidney began rupturing, the pain was unbearable. The doctors were able to stop bleeding but the pain only continued to get worse. The decision was finally made to remove my left kidney. The surgeon said it was the size of a watermelon when he removed it. Within months my remaining kidney could not function on its own and I had to start dialysis. I was out of work for 6 long months and have only managed to return to work prn. As a nurse you’re always used to caring for others but when the shoe is on the other foot that’s when it’s the most difficult. I’ve struggled greatly trying to return to work while doing dialysis. Most days are bad days but I still get to do what I love, even if it’s only a few days a month. This has been the most challenging time of my life. It’s honestly taken my life from me. You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s taken away. Fortunately I am a candidate for a transplant. My sister Liz did get tested to be my donor but was denied. Now I’m on the waiting list for a kidney. If anyone wants to get tested to be my donor please let me know!!! There’s tons of expenses that go into having a transplant, thus the reason for this fundraiser. For my donor the medical is all covered by my insurance but she will have to be out of work for a minimum of 4 weeks. That means lost wages plus lodging, gas, travel, food, etc for the surgery and all follow-ups. I will be out of work for a minimum of 6 weeks. The first 4 weeks I must remain within 1 hour of the transplant hospital at all times and we live 2-3 hours away. I also am required to have a caregiver with me 24/7 for the first 4 weeks. Not only will I incur lost wages for 6 weeks but my caregiver will also have lost wages for 4 weeks. Again add the costs for both myself and my caregiver for travel plus lodging, gas, food, etc. I also will have to be on 3 anti-rejection medications for the rest of my life that aren’t completely covered by insurance. I realize times are tough for everyone and everyone is budgeting but if you could find it in your heart to donate, you will be greatly appreciated. And if you can’t, at-least say some prayers and offer well wishes. God bless and thank you from the bottom of my heart.❤️

#ReneeNeedsYou #HopeBeatsDisease #PolycysticKidneyDisease #PKD #FYP #KidneyTransplant #NurseRenee #OrganFailure #KidneyFailure #Dialysis #PeritonealDialysis