Fighting for My Life While Fighting for My Community
Since February 2024, my life has changed completely. What started with an unexpected hospital visit quickly turned into a diagnosis of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In October of 2024, doctors placed a nephrostomy tube because my kidney was no longer draining properly. At first, I wasn't given many answers as to why this was happening.
A few weeks later, doctors attempted to place a ureteral stent because my ureter was blocked and urine could not pass naturally. The procedure was unsuccessful, so the nephrostomy tube had to be put back in.
By February 20, my kidneys had declined to the point that I needed a dialysis catheter and began permanent dialysis treatments.
Now, just a few months later, I must empty my bladder using a straight catheter because I can no longer urinate naturally. Doctors have attempted twice to create a permanent dialysis fistula in my right arm, but both surgeries were unsuccessful. I am now waiting for additional appointments to determine whether I will need another fistula in my left arm or begin home dialysis.
Every day is filled with doctor appointments, dialysis, home health visits, and uncertainty. I don't know what the next step will be, but I do know that I want to do whatever it takes to stay alive.
The physical toll has been overwhelming. I haven't been able to work since 2024 because I simply don't have the strength or energy. Dialysis leaves me exhausted, and even simple daily activities can be difficult. Financially, the burden continues to grow as medical expenses and everyday bills pile up.
My family has also been affected. They want to help, but they are not always able to be here physically or support me financially. This has been one of the most difficult seasons of my life.
Despite everything, I continue leading the nonprofit organization I founded in 2019, Access2Equity (A2E). Even from my hospital bed or from home, I continue working because I believe no family should have to choose between paying bills and having food on the table.
Our mission is simple: to help those in need, regardless of their financial situation.
Every Wednesday, A2E provides fresh food to more than 500 people each month. On the second, third, and fourth Sundays of every month, we serve approximately 200 families with a hot supper and a meal to take home. Those meals include a sandwich, chips, a drink, and snacks for families facing difficult times.
Although A2E has received donations and held fundraisers over the years, the need continues to grow faster than our available resources. We are doing everything we can, but it still isn't enough.
Today, I am asking for help for both myself and the nonprofit that means so much to me.
Personally, I need financial assistance to help with medical expenses, household bills, transportation, and the everyday costs of living while I continue dialysis and wait for the next steps in my treatment.
For Access2Equity (A2E), we are especially in need of food donations, including bread, sandwich meats, snacks, drinks, and other items that help us prepare meals for families in need. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated, but whenever possible, we prefer donations of the food and supplies needed to continue feeding our community.
Asking for help has never been easy for me. I have always been the one helping others. But today, I find myself in a position where I need the support of my community so I can continue fighting for my life while continuing to fight for others.
If you are able to donate, whether it is toward my personal needs or through food and supplies for Access2Equity, every gift makes a difference. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others is just as meaningful.
Thank you for your prayers, your kindness, your generosity, and for believing in me and in the mission of Access2Equity. My hope is to continue this fight, continue serving others, and one day look back knowing that together we made it through this difficult chapter.
With gratitude,
Luette Harris
Founder, Access2Equity (A2E)
How Your Donations Will Help
Your contributions will cover:
Supporting "Access 2 Equity"
If you do not wish to donate directly to Luette’s family for their personal care, we invite you to donate instead to Access 2 Equity https://www.access2equitya2e.org/donate which is Luette’s "baby" her non-profit organization.
Please be assured that none of the donations made to the non-profit will go toward Luette’s family, personal care, or household expenses. Access 2 Equity is monitored by a Treasurer who ensures that every dollar donated to the organization goes directly back into the community to fund the programs Luette has spent years building.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Help us support a woman who has given everything to Shaker Heights despite her own history of hardship and exhausted insurance.
- Share: Spread this story. Let’s prove that the promise of a "caring community" in Shaker is real.
- Support: Keep Luette, Eric, and their 16-year-old son in your thoughts.
Luette Harris spent her life giving the clothes off her back to others; today, let's make sure she and her family are covered.
Community Impact Stories
"I’ve spent enough time with Luette to know that her spirit is much larger than her bank account. I've watched her navigate life with a kind of grace that most people wouldn't have after surviving what she has. She has this 'see a need, fill a need' clock that never stops ticking. For me, seeing her in that hospital bed still trying to coordinate things for others was the breaking point. Luette is the one who usually makes sure the rest of us are okay; she’s not used to being on the receiving end, but she has more than earned this support through years of quiet, selfless friendship." ~ Dom Frazier
"Luette doesn't just teach ASL; she teaches us how to communicate with our hearts. I remember being struck by her patience she treats every student like they are her only priority. Her work with 'Access 2 Equity' isn't just a title; it’s a mission she lives out every single day. Seeing her transition from the woman who provides the meals to the woman who now needs our help is a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us need a community to lean on sometimes." ~ Madison J (Neighbor & ASL Student)
I want my mom to be there when I graduate and long after that ~Eric Jr.
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