https://helphopelive.org/campaign/25165

For most people, the thought of needing an organ transplant is something that happens to “someone else.” It is a distant possibility, something seen in news stories or medical dramas. But for me, this has been my reality. Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), enduring dialysis, and hoping for a life-saving transplant has become the defining struggle of my life. And, as if facing a medical crisis is not enough, the financial burden of a transplant is staggering.

That is why I turned to HelpHopeLive, a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds for medical expenses. I never expected to be in a situation where I would need to crowdfund my healthcare. But when the numbers did not add up, when insurance fell short, and when my survival hinged on financial assistance, I had no choice but to seek help.

This is my story.

The Reality of Living with Chronic Kidney Disease

I have been battling chronic kidney disease for years, and in 2021, my condition deteriorated to the point where dialysis became necessary. If you’ve never experienced dialysis, let me paint a picture: you are tethered to a machine multiple times a week, watching your blood filter through an artificial kidney because your real ones can no longer do the job. Each session leaves you exhausted, yet it is the only thing keeping you alive while you wait for a donor kidney.

A kidney transplant isn’t just a medical procedure—it’s a second chance at life. It means freedom from dialysis. It means regaining energy. It means living again, not just surviving. But a transplant does not come without a price tag, and that is where the true challenge begins.

The Financial Burden of a Kidney Transplant

Many people assume that if you have health insurance, you are covered. Unfortunately, that is far from the truth. In my case, I have Medicare, which helps but does not cover everything. Medicare pays for 80% of the cost of a transplant, but that remaining 20% falls on the patient. And when you are dealing with six-figure medical bills, 20% is an astronomical amount.

In addition, I lost full Medicaid benefits when I started receiving Social Security payments, leaving me without the crucial assistance that covered secondary costs. This put me in a precarious financial position. With mounting expenses, my only viable option was private insurance, but even that came with a hefty $3,400 annual deductible that I needed to cover upfront.

The Hidden Costs of Transplant Surgery

Beyond the surgery itself, there are numerous hidden costs associated with a transplant:

  • Post-surgery medications: Anti-rejection drugs are a lifelong necessity after a transplant. Without them, the body will reject the new kidney. These medications can cost upwards of $2,000-$3,000 per month, and Medicare only covers them for a limited time.
  • Doctor visits and follow-ups: Transplant patients require frequent checkups, lab tests, and monitoring to ensure the new kidney is functioning properly.
  • Hospital stays and recovery expenses: After a transplant, recovery can take weeks or months, during which I will not be able to work or generate income.
  • Transportation and lodging: If my transplant takes place in a city far from home, I will need to cover travel and lodging expenses for myself and my caregiver.

When you tally up all these costs, the burden becomes overwhelming. Even with financial discipline, there is no feasible way for an individual to manage this alone. That is when I knew I needed help.

Why I Chose HelpHopeLive

I researched various crowdfunding platforms but ultimately chose HelpHopeLive for several key reasons:

  1. Nonprofit Status: Unlike other fundraising platforms that take a significant percentage of donations, HelpHopeLive is a nonprofit organization. Donations made through them are tax-deductible, and funds are used strictly for medical expenses.
  2. Assured Use of Funds: With other platforms like GoFundMe, funds are directly deposited to the individual, but that also means they can be used for non-medical purposes (whether intentionally or not). HelpHopeLive ensures that every dollar raised goes directly toward medical expenses, eliminating financial mismanagement concerns.
  3. Medicaid and SSI-Friendly: Unlike traditional crowdfunding, which can affect a patient’s eligibility for Medicaid or Social Security benefits, HelpHopeLive structures its assistance in a way that protects the patient’s benefits.
  4. Community Support: HelpHopeLive provides guidance, encouragement, and a fundraising roadmap, helping patients like me maximize their efforts.

The Emotional Challenge of Asking for Help

If you are like me, asking for help does not come easily. I have always prided myself on being self-sufficient, handling my problems on my own. But sometimes, you reach a point where self-reliance is not enough. I had to swallow my pride and accept that I could not do this alone.

I was hesitant to put my struggles out in the open. Talking about a life-threatening condition is one thing, but publicly asking for financial help? That is another level of vulnerability. But then I realized something: this is not about pride—it is about survival.

The reality is, medical costs in the U.S. are exorbitant, and insurance often falls short. If I wanted to live—to get a kidney and have a future—I had to take action. And so, I launched my HelpHopeLive campaign.

How You Can Help

If you have read this far, I appreciate you taking the time to understand my journey. Now, I humbly ask for your support. Here is how you can make a difference:

1. Donate

Every dollar counts. Whether it is $5, $50, or $500, every contribution brings me closer to my goal. Donations through HelpHopeLive are secure, tax-deductible, and directly applied to my transplant expenses.

2. Share My Story

Even if you cannot donate, you can still help by sharing my HelpHopeLive campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who see my story, the greater the chance I will reach someone who can contribute.

3. Offer Emotional Support

The road to a transplant is not just financially taxing—it’s emotionally exhausting. Your words of encouragement, prayers, and positive thoughts mean the world to me. Never underestimate the power of kindness.

A Message of Hope

I know this journey is long and uncertain, but I refuse to give up. The kindness of family, friends, and even strangers has already shown me that compassion still exists in this world. I believe in the power of community, and I believe that with enough support, I can get the transplant I desperately need.

I look forward to the day when I can write a follow-up to this article—not from a dialysis chair, but as someone who received the gift of life and can finally live free of medical chains. That day is coming, and with your help, it can come even sooner.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And most importantly, thank you for helping me fight for my life.

To donate or learn more about my campaign, please visit my HelpHopeLive page. Your generosity could make all the difference.

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