Living with chronic illness has changed my life in ways I never imagined. I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2005, and by the time doctors figured out what was happening inside my body, the damage to my kidneys was already severe. In 2021, I was officially diagnosed with renal failure. After endless tests and appointments, I was placed on the transplant list in 2022, and today, I wait—hoping for the gift of a kidney.
Every day is hard. I’m exhausted all the time. I miss hiking and being active. I have to be careful about what I eat, and the number of pills I take is overwhelming. I’m not on dialysis yet; my doctors and I are hoping to find a living donor so we can skip that step entirely.
I’m lucky to have incredible parents, brothers, and friends who surround me with love and support. I’m also a mom—and more than anything, I want to be healthy and fully present for my family again. A transplant would mean freedom from constant worry, fewer medications, and a chance to truly enjoy life again.
I know how much I’m asking. It’s not easy to find the words. I think about your well-being just as much as my own. If you choose to step forward, I promise to honor your gift for the rest of my life.
If you would like to learn more or take the first step, please complete the short contact form at https://giftworksuuh.com/deons/. A Living Donor Navigator—someone who has donated before—will connect with you to answer questions and provide guidance.
Thank you for reading my story. Your kindness could change my life forever.
