Generous.... Gracious.... Giving

     WOW!!!  The last couple of weeks have been incredible. I have been blessed by the most generous, gracious and giving friends a  person could ever dream of having.  There are also many strangers who can be described the same.  It has been several weeks since I posted a blog update, so I am behind with sharing information.  About a month ago, I signed up with HelpHOPELive, which is a nonprofit organization that will manage all funds collected through fundraising. Future and past fundraising events include the "Urine My Heart" Golf Tournament, 31 Parties, Premier Jewelry Party, Avon, Oragami Owl, You Design Art and selling kidney pins. Also, I have completed all pre-transplant medical tests and doctor's appointments. This journey is not always easy, but the support of family and friends is beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

     Many people have been very generous with supporting fundraising events or making donations. As I mentioned, HelpHOPELIVE will manage my funds.  HelpHOPELive is an organization outside of Philadelphia and provides fantastic support.  I am assigned a Patient Services Coordinator.  Her name is Amy and she is awesome.  HelpHOPELive assists of course with managing the funds and awards a $1000 grant for the first $10,000 raised and again when $20,000 has been raised.  Amy assists by producing flyers for events, providing ideas for fundraising and answering any questions I might have for her.  HelpHOPELive also provides a patient page.  To see my page, go to www.HelpHOPELive.org, click on find a patient, key in my first and last name and then click on kidney for type of transplant. You should then be on my page.  Please take time to read the appeal letter from Ronnie.  Also, some people have asked how they can make a personal donation.  HelpHOPELive actually receives personal donations on my behalf.  You can mail a check to them or make an online payment.  Their address is on the website.   Donations can also be sent to me with checks made payable to HelpHOPELive. Currently I send funds weekly.  I can not thank everyone enough who has helped to make our fundraising events very successful.

     We are very busy with fundraising events.  I am amazed at how people have responded to the many events we have had thus far.  As I have included in previous blog posts, my co-worker, Tiffany Barber signed up to be a 31 Gifts Consultant in order to fundraise for me.  We have had phenomenal parties and Tiffany has raised $1,175.00!  This is an incredible amount in just 5 parties!  She is a great sales representative and sales have been fantastic.  Thanks to everyone who has hosted a party or made a purchase.  Earlier this month we had a party in Goldsboro, hosted by my sisters Janet Owle and Joan Howell.  Over 50 people attended the party and bought over $2,200 of 31 products.  It was great to see many, many friends who I had not seen in years and make new friends as well.  Four more 31 parties are currently being hosted by Janet Groberski, Glenda Bowen, Kimberly Barefoot, and Tricia Allen through April 13. All parties are online through Facebook.  If you would like to make a purchase, please let me know and I will assist you with contacting a hostess. ( An interesting side-bar is that two of the hostesses are special friends I met through the death of my niece Christy Murray.  Christy died unexpectedly on Valentines Day, 2012 at the age of 37.   Thanks so much to Kimberly Lee Barefoot of South Carolina and Tricia Allen of Raleigh for hosting parties.  I know Christy would be so pleased with the friendships I have developed).  Tiffany vows to continue to fundraise until I have the transplant.  Please consider having a party.  Online parties are super easy and a great way to get awesome products (for free or at an discount) as well assist my donor and me with out of pocket expenses for the transplant.

     On May 2, we will have the "Urine My Heart" Golf Tournament at Lane Tree Country Club in Goldsboro.  We are looking forward to a very successful day.  Many friends are sponsoring holes for $50 or $100, which we greatly appreciate.  I have some of the most generous, giving friends in the world.  Even people we do not know have sponsored holes due to Ronnie's business connections.  Ronnie has many contacts including ARMAC who will be providing signs for the tournament.  If you are interested in sponsoring a hole, please send your sponsorship to Ronnie and me by April 15.  We will be giving ARMAC names for signs at that time.  Also, we would like to for all golf teams to pay in advance if at all possible.  Due to a phenomenal response for golfers wanting to participate in the tournament,  we have had to tell some people that we met the maximum amount of golfers for the day.  If by chance you told us you were going to put in a team, but due to circumstance you are not, please let us know so that we can contact those who wanted to participate as well.  There are many companies providing items for the silent auction and we would love to have more if you would like to donate. Ronnie and I are very excited about the items being donated.  I think those attending the golf tournament will be very interested in making bids at the tournament.  Many friends are volunteering their time at the golf tournament.  We would like to provide a t-shirt for volunteers to wear at the tournament.  If you have not received a message from my daughter Ashley about your size, please contact me by Friday evening with information about what size t-shirt you wear.  If you need a form for hole sponsorship, volunteering or a golf team please email me at Carolinakidney@gmail.com.

     Thanks to Kathryn West, a friend from church and sales consultant for Premier Jewelry who donated $175 from her commission after a party on March 8.  Once again, my friends amaze me. I greatly appreciate everyone who made purchases from the party and helped it to be a success.  Teresa Washak is having an online party until April 8 if anyone is interested in buying Premier Jewelry.  Kathryn will donate a portion of the commission from this party as well. Also, please let Kathryn know if you are interested in hosting a party in your home or online.  Once again, super easy and a great way to fundraise and earn gorgeous jewelry for yourself.
     Kathy Coor, a friend in Goldsboro that I have known for many years sells Avon.  She also decided to fundraise for me and donated all of her commission from two campaigns.   $250 is being sent to the account at  HelpHOPELive.  You just can not imagine the number of times I have cried due to the generosity of friends.
     Another co-worker, Theresa Howard is hosting an online Origami Owl Jewelry fundraising party.  Theresa's mother, Janet Salatino lives in Florida and is a sales consultant for Orgami Owl.  Janet is donating a portion of the commission from the party as well.  This party lasts until April 12.  You can shop online at www.janetsalatino.origamiowl.com/parties/TheresaHoward265285/collections.ashx.   God has placed so many awesome people in my life and I greatly appreciate Theresa and Janet.
    No doubt fundraising efforts have been very successful and beyond anything I ever imagined.  So many people have diligently worked hard to help the donor and myself.
     As of March 17, I completed all pre-transplant appointments.  Unfortunately, I continue to wait to hear from UNC about being placed on the transplant list.  I am trying to be patient, but it is SO DIFFICULT.  Once placed on the transplant list at UNC, I am also placed on the National Registry known as UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing).  The average wait for an kidney transplant in North Carolina is 5 years. Fortunately when placed on the transplant list,  we can begin the process of choosing a living donor.  A living donor also has to go through countless tests and appointments as I have for the past  5 months.  It is important to have a living donor in place, so when the time arrives that I need a transplant, we will be ready.  Many people contacted UNC about being a donor.  To say I am overwhelmed by your selflessness is an understatement.  Several people were unable to proceed beyond the initial interview due to health conditions.  On the other hand, there are some individuals who met criteria and one will be selected to be my living donor.  When I think about it..... it is amazing to think that anyone would be so generous... gracious.... and giving.
       I am ready to travel in the next phase of this journey and greatly appreciate your prayers. Thanks so much for your support.
 

   

    

Better Than I Ever Imagined

       I would just like to say thank you so, so much to everyone who has prayed for me as I go through this journey.  Prayers have been answered!  Today I went to see Dr. Falk for a follow-up appointment.  I always go to the lab on Monday before appointments with him on Thursday so he will know the results of kidney function tests.   Of course I was very anxious about seeing him today since my kidney function had gone down to 15% in December.  I am happy to share my kidney function was up to 22% (which is what it was in October)!   Dr. Falk was very pleased and contributes the improvement to weight loss.  Since July 18, I have lost 32.4 pounds.  When you are a woman, every tenth counts!  23 more pounds to shed in order to meet goal weight.  Thankfully the percentage of kidney function increased by 7 and did not decrease by 7.  He said once my kidney function is around 10%, I will begin dialysis. Thanks to everyone who has prayed about my kidney function, because 22% kidney function buys me more time before beginning dialysis or having a transplant.  The news I received today was better than I ever imagined.  Dr. Falk did share that going through End-Stage Renal Failure is not easy and that I was going to have to endure symptoms I deal with each day.  Some of the symptoms include feeling exhausted, metallic taste in my mouth (tastes like I have been sucking a mouth full of nickels) and excessive dry mouth.  Please pray these symptoms improve.

    Many people have contributed to fundraising events being held.  I just never dreamed how well friends and even strangers would respond. Your generosity is more than I ever imagined.   Thanks.

       

Plans to Give You Hope and a Future, Jeremiah 29:11

     It has been brought to my attention by a few friends that I have not posted a blog lately.  I have lots of great news to share today.
     Last Sunday at church, I looked down at the pew in front of me and a friend had Jeremiah 29:11 imprinted on his Bible cover.   Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   I can really tell the effects of End Stage Renal Failure are wearing on my body and those words give me great encouragement.
     I want to thank everyone who has contacted Amy Woodard, Living Donor Coordinator at UNC.   You are each my hero!  I have been praying for a living donor and  ask everyone to do the same. The average wait in North Carolina for a kidney from a deceased donor is 5 years. If you have considered being a living donor, please call UNC at (919) 966-3079.
     I am home today preparing for kidney function tests for tomorrow at UNC.  Thursday afternoon I will see Dr. Falk at the nephrology clinic and  he will share the results from Monday's tests.  I also ask you to pray that my kidney function remains around 15% or higher.  And then Friday, I will receive three immunization shots.  The immunizations are important to receive now, since I will be on medication after the transplant that greatly suppresses the immune system.  One of the immunizations is the shingles shot.  I had to obtain special permission from the insurance company to receive it.  Wonder why you normally have to be 60 to receive the injection?  I had the shingles in 2011 and it was a HORRIBLE experience!  One thing for certain, the pre-transplant process is more involved than I ever imagined.
     A lot of time during last two weeks has been devoted to fundraising.  For some reason, fundraising has made this journey seem very surreal.  Current fundraising endeavors include 31 Gift parties,  a Premier Jewelry party, selling "Urine My Hear"t kidney pins and a golf tournament.  I can not even begin to share with you how generous people have been without tearing up. 

     As I mentioned in previous blogs, my friend and fellow teacher, Tiffany Barber is selling 31 Gifts as a means to fundraise for me.  From the first party, she donated all of the commission from sales to my fund.  As a result of the sales at the first party, we were able to order these bags to auction at other events. 

There are 3 parties being held this month and another in March with Tiffany donating 50% of the commission for fundraising.   My next door neighbor, a co-worker and her mother, another co-worker and my sisters have booked parties with Tiffany to assist with fundraising.   I have phenomenal friends and family. Tiffany has vowed to fundraise selling 31 Gifts until I have the transplant. Can not even begin to thank her enough! 

      Kathryn West, with whom I attend church sells Premiere Jewelry.  We have a party scheduled for 7:00 pm on March 3 at my home and she will be donating a portion of the commission for fundraising.  Please join us for a fun party.

     Last month, a co-worker purchased "Urine My Heart" kidney pins for fundraising.  She ordered 50 and the pins sold within a few days.  Recently, I was humbled while sitting in a teacher's meeting and seeing many staff members wearing a kidney pin to honor the transplant.  I ordered 150 more with about  30 not pre-sold.  If you would like to order any, please email me at carolinakidney@gmail.com.  

    Back in the fall, an executive for one of the convenient store chains that Ronnie works with suggested a golf tournament for fundraising.   Ronnie has many contacts in the retail market and it has been incredible to witness various companies and individuals respond.  The amount of support has been extraordinary.  Also, I sent letters to business owners we know and quickly received responses as well.  And, of course we have shared information through Facebook.  Many friends who I have not seen for several years are coming to support the golf tournament that day.  Much thanks to those who are helping to make the golf tournament a successful fundraising event.  For the golf tournament, our needs include hole sponsorships, golf teams, items for silent auction/ raffle, food for the tournament, items for goodie bags and volunteers. It will be held May 2 at Lane Tree Country Club. Please email me if you would like any information. 

     I mentioned above that fundraising has made this journey seem surreal.  As I went to the Transplant Clinic at UNC in January, the reality of the transplant began to sink in, but seeing my picture on the flyer Ronnie created for the golf tournament has really helped me realize this is a truly happening.  With the many appointments I have endured, one would assume I was already in the mindset, but ..... the flyer did it! 

     As you know, I teach elementary students. Several days ago, I shared with students that I will be having a transplant.  The students were very receptive of the news and asked very relevant questions.  Some  even shared what they knew about transplants.  I was very proud of them, because I just did not know what to expect.  (You never know what words will come out of kids mouths).  I also wrote their parents a note about the transplant.  Parents sent kind messages and some of the kids have told me they pray for me each night.  Those words really tug on my heart.

      Thanks again to so many of you for your love and support.  My family has been extremely supportive, BUT I never expected the amount of support I have received from my Briarcliff Elementary family. This journey has been difficult physically/ emotionally and the encouragement and love given by co-workers has been beyond any expectations I could have ever imagined. There is no way to ever thank everyone enough and I truly love each of you.

 

    

Truly Overwhelmed by the Generosity of Others

     I can not  begin to thank everyone for their generosity as I go through this journey for a kidney transplant.  This journey seems surreal and I still cannot believe it is happening to me. Once again, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of so many.  Each day this week I have been brought to tears by the kindness of others. To explain how I feel, can not be put into words. 
 

     A few weeks ago, Tiffany Barber called me to say she was going to sell 31 Gifts as a means to fundraise for me.  She sponsored an online party and sold an abundance of products.  I received credit for about $1000 in free products and chose several items for raffles at various fundraising events. The commission of the party was approximately $400 and 100% is allocated for fundraising.  Tiffany surprised me once again with announcing 50% of the commission for parties held in February will be for fundraising. At this time, four parties are booked.  Please let Tiffany or me know if you would like to book a party or make a purchase.  Thanks to everyone who helped this first party become a success or booked a party for next month.
 

   Many people loved the Urine My Heart pin I received from Janice Wilson.  It is incredibly touching to see many co-workers wearing the kidney pin in support of the transplant.  Last weekend, Ronnie and I decided to order more pins after a few friends asked about getting one.   A phenomenal number of friends have requested pins since that time.  We will place the order today and should receive the pins in about a week.

   Ronnie and Rick Green, Director of Golf at Lane Tree Golf Course in Goldsboro have been planning a golf tournament.  I am amazed  how much they have accomplished this week.  The tournament will be held, May 2 at Lane Tree Golf Course.  We need golfers, volunteers, sponsors  and raffle items. Responses thus far from people and organizations contacted have been exceptional.   One VERY EXCEPTIONAL response includes Anthony Floars of Deacon Jones Kia offering a 2014 Kia Optima for a Hole in One!  I am still in awe! Anthony's parents, Jackie and Sue Floars are the couple who took Ashley as a newborn when I had renal failure.  Thanks to everyone who has already contacted us wanting to participate.  Please share the news about the golf tournament.  We need lots of individuals to make this day a success.
 

     Other fundraising events will be taking place in the next few months.   Kathryn West will sponsor a Premiere Jewelry party and we are planning Wine and Design events in Cary and Goldsboro.  Also, we are planning a 5K at Benson Park in Garner in the fall.  If you have ideas for successful fundraising events, please let me know.  I want to have all donor out of pocket expenses covered for before, during and after the transplant.

     Finally, thanks to everyone who has contacted UNC about becoming a potential donor.  This transplant journey has to be one of the most humbling experiences of my life.  Earlier this week, Michael, the husband of my dear friend Lanie who died last January of cancer told me he wanted to be a potential donor. Lanie would be so proud!  It is just unbelievable to see how much others care and want to help me.  If you have been considering becoming a potential donor, please contact Amy Woodard, Living Donor Coordinator at 919- 966-3079.

 

    Wish I could find the right words to say thank you to everyone for helping me through this journey.  God is blessing beyond my expectations.  I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of others.  Please continue to pray specifically that I find a living donor, maintain present kidney function so that I do not have to go  on dialysis and remain well enough to work.  Thank you!

If you would like a copy of the flyer and registration form, please email me at Carolinakidney@gmail.com.   I will gladly send you the information.   Thanks!

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You're In My Heart

      Once again this week, I have been in awe of such selfless, caring, creative, and sensational friends who are encouraging me as I go through this journey for a kidney transplant.  When I began this journey, I prayed for God to help me make it through as smooth and easy as possible.   It is amazing how prayers have been answered.
 

      Selfless friends have encouraged me this week by contacting UNC about being a living donor for the transplant.  I can not even explain the emotion I feel knowing others are actually willing to go through this process.  Their willingness to sacrifice for me is very  humbling.
  

     There are also others who would like to be a potential donor, but can not due to health conditions.  I received the sweetest message this week from one of Ronnie's childhood friends stating she and her husband went to the doctor to determine if they could be potential donors.   Both were diagnosed with diabetes. She was extremely disappointed about not being able to help me.  Brings tears to my eyes when I think about them, because they truly wanted to be potential donors.
 

     Caring friends have definitely brightened my soul this week and depleted my tear supply  at the same time.   I have cried so much in the past week due to the caring spirit of others. A friend from work began writing blog at the beginning of the year.  Earlier this week she wrote about my journey for a transplant and asked others to consider being a living donor and  participate in the 31 Gifts online fundraising  party hosted by another co-worker.  Other friends have also been sharing through social media  about my journey and fundraising.  It is touching to see my blog and fundraising information on  Twitter, Facebook, email and even Pinterest.  A childhood friend who I have not seen in countless years shared my blog on  the kidney page for Pinterest. (I had no clue there was even a kidney page on Pinterest).  Another childhood friend sent an email to members of The Class of 1982 from Rosewood High School with a link to my blog.   I can not thank each of you enough for what you that have done during the past few weeks by sharing my journey. 

      An extremely creative friend put a very big smile on my face this week.   Don't think I am exaggerating to note many co-workers have been talking behind my back during the past few days.  The conversation has been about  the cutest kidney pin you have ever seen.  A co-worker discovered this pin on the web and knew she had a phenomenal means to assist in fundraising.  I was sitting at my desk Friday morning, when 3 co-workers came in my classroom wearing kidney pins in support of the transplant.  I could not believe it!  My mouth hung open for  few minutes in amazement of their creative support . The phrase "Urine My Heart"  is priceless.  The pin is a kidney and the background is paper.   $5 donations are being accepted if you would like to order one.


       As you have read, I have sensational friends. Information will be shared in the near future about fundraising events which include a golf tournament,  Premier Jewelry sale, painting  at Wine and Design, t-shirt sale and possibly a  5K fun walk.  The  31 Gifts fundraising online fundraising event is through January 31.  100% of the commission from this event will be given to my fundraising account.  You can shop at  Jinzo for Jones on Facebook.  Also,   if you are interested in becoming a living donor, please call Amy Woodard at UNC. Her number is 919) 966-3079. 
 
     Prayers are greatly appreciated as I continue this journey.  My biggest struggle at this time is feeling exhausted.   Next week will be the first week I will be at work each day since the last week in October. Besides the week of December 23, I have been to kidney transplant related appointments for 11 weeks.   The are many appointments in the future, but I will gladly take a week off from waiting rooms, needles, medical tests, stethoscopes and white coats!
 

      Thanks again to my selfless, caring, creative, and sensational   friends.  Always remember,  Urine My Heart!

Selfless Friends and Sensational Fundraising

     I am awesomely amazed with how God blesses me with so many selfless friends.  My emotions have been on overload thinking about how many wonderful people have approached me since I began this journey and offered to help me in countless ways.

 

     Several people have offered to be a potential donor for the kidney transplant. My heart was truly touched by a friend at work this week who told me she and another co-worker looked up the criterion for being a kidney transplant donor.  They discovered  individuals with diabetes can not donate.  Unfortunately she is a diabetic as well as the other co-worker.  My heart broke as she started crying and talking about how much she wanted to help me with donating a kidney and could not. Being overloaded with emotions, I went to my classroom and sobbed.   Another example is that  a dear friend told me she wanted to be a donor immediately after she learned I needed a transplant.  Shortly after that, this dear friend was diagnosed with cancer.  She is also extremely disappointed about not being a potential donor and has told me repeatedly. I am truly blessed with selfless friends. 

 

      Anyone is interested in being a potential donor can contact Amy Woodard RN, UNC Living Donor  Coordinator at  phone number (919) 966-3079.  It is my understanding she will either ask you questions or send you a questionnaire.  Once Ms. Woodard has a pool of potential donors,  a committee reviews the responses on the questionnaires and chooses the best potential donor based upon a specific criteria that best meets my needs.  Even though I have O Positive blood type, you do not need to have the same blood type as me or know your blood type to become a potential donor.  Dr. True, renal transplant doctor states that Cross-Match Blood Typing is possible for the transplant.  The blood contains antigens and matching antigens is the most important component between the  transplant donor and recipient.  If you are considering, please contact Amy Woodard and thanks so very much.

 

     It has been amazing as well emotionally overwhelming to be approached by friends who want to assist with fundraising.  Many friends including Katie Patrick, Teresa Howard, and Heather Shoaf have been sharing ideas for fundraising.  Many of the ideas included involving Briarcliff faculty, staff, students and families.  Unfortunately we are unable to participate in fundraising activities as a school due to county policy.  Last Saturday, a friend from work named Tiffany Barber called me.  She has joined 31 Gifts as a sales consultant as a means to fundraise for me.  Almost every time I think about it, I start crying (like now).   Until January 29, Tiffany will donate 100% of the commission to a transplant fund for me.  Subsequent parties will yield a portion of the commission as well.  Please share the link and tell others about the online party.  The link is: Jinzō for Jones.  Jinzo is kidney in Japanese. Another friend at work, Karen Hargett suggested a fundraising  event at Wine and Design in Cary.  Approximately 50 people can participate in the event and 25% of the cost will be allocated to the transplant fund.    I received an email from a co-worker, Kathy Borkowski about fundraising through Chilli's.  Chilli's will donate 10% of the profits. Since most of us like to eat,  I don't think this fundraiser would be difficult  at all.  Some of Ronnie's friends are planning a golf tournament for the spring.  Details to come.   As you have read, my friends have thought of sensational fundraising ideas.

 

    Even though I have health insurance, the cost of a kidney transplant is not cheap.  Yesterday I received a $2800 bill for blood labs.  I have been to appointments every week since November 4.  One of my greatest desires for fundraising is to assist the donor with expenses.  Of course, it is illegal to pay anyone for an organ, but I can use funds from fundraising to help offset the donors expenses.  The donor not only donates their organ, but a tremendous amount of time before the transplant with medical tests and afterwards with recovering.  My health insurance will pay for their medical bills, but there will be expenses for the donor such as gas for driving to and from appointments, parking at UNC, food, time from work, etc.  I am in the process of completing the registration form for a non-profit fundraising organization named HelpHopeLive.  To learn more about HelpHopeLive, please go to their website. The link is: www.helphopelive.org/. ‎

 

    Don't know how I can possibly thank everyone enough who is helping me by registering to become a potential donor or fundraising.  Your efforts, love and concern are priceless. Also, another selfless friend helped me Wednesday.  Shelly Pleasants spent several hours with me at UNC for a medical procedure/test.  I was sedated and not allowed to drive.  She is truly a great friend and blessing.    Thanks Shelly.  So many friends have been praying for me as well.  Please continue to pray specifically that I find a donor match in the next few months, don't become too ill to work or have to go on dialysis.  If you have any ideas for fundraising or would like to help, please let me  know.  I look forward to sharing more good news each time I write about this journey and  I appreciate you following it.

 

 

Fifty and Fabulous News!

      Well, it is no secret that today is my 50th Birthday.  Received homemade cards from students and serenaded several times with renditions of the "Happy Birthday" song.  Cha, Cha, Cha! Walked into my classroom this morning greeted by birthday balloons and later treated with a chocolate chip cookie cake, gifts and cards from co-workers.  Truly blessed by such great co-workers and friends.  I also received an abundance of  texts, phone calls and Facebook messages today.  Tonight Kelsey and I are celebrating our birthdays with family at the The Peddler . 

 

     Ronnie and I met with Dr. Karin True for a little less than two hours this afternoon.  She was very professional, but yet personable. We really liked her. She began with asking MANY questions about my health and then began explaining the transplant process.  After she started explaining the transplant process I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and decided to tape our conversation with my phone.  Hope to take some time this weekend to listen to it and probably will a few times after that as well.  Felt like information overload!

 

     Extremely relieved to have the appointment behind me.  My blood pressure was extremely high during check-in with the nurse, but I am confident it was due to feeling stressed.  To sum up the appointment, Dr. True gave me great news!  She shared that Cross-Matching makes it very possible for me to receive a kidney from a donor of any blood type!  Knowing this information gives me more hope of finding a donor.  Dr. True said that anyone interested in donating should contact Amy Woodard, Transplant Nurse Coordinator at 919-966-3079 even if you don't know your blood type. (Also good news because you do NOT have to go to the American Red Cross to determine your blood type).  Basically, the transplant team will review information on the questionnaires completed by potential donors and choose who best meets the criteria for being my donor.  That person will complete blood tests, medical tests, a psychological test and meet with a social worker.  If you are truly interested in being a donor, please contact Amy Woodard.  Since I saw Dr. True today, the process of finding a donor can begin, but I still can not be placed on the transplant list until I see the surgeon.  That appointment is not until March 17, but in the meantime, WE CAN FIND A POTENTIAL DONOR.

    I also met Gwen, the transplant coordinator assigned to me.  She helps set up appointments and assists me through the pre- and post- transplant processes.  There are some tests Dr. True wants for me to have and I will wait to hear from Gwen as to when they are scheduled. 

   Thanks to so many of you for your encouraging words and well wishes.  Please continue to pray that I find a donor before the crucial time arrives for needing dialysis and/or becoming very ill.

 

 

 

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