Jennifer: Thank you for your music and ministry. I wanted to share my story with you.
In 2012, I was diagnosed with end stage kidney disease. I was devastated. I thought my life was over. I was was 38 years old.
I was able to hold off starting dialysis for about six months, but I was getting sicker. When I did start dialysis, I continued to work and did dialysis from home at night. After being being on dialysis for almost 2 1/2 years, I was getting sicker and weaker. I worked as a social worker in the addiction and mental health field, but I was no longer able to work. Just as I left my job, I got the news I was listed on the transplant list.
My youngest sister stepped up to get tested to see if she was a donor match. On Dec. 31, 2015, my sister learned she was a 100% match. She had to go through her own testing. On March 25, 2017, Good Friday, I learned my sister was approved to be my donor. By the grace of God, on May 16, 2017, I received my second chance.
My story doesn’t stop here though. Six months after my transplant, I returned back to work in the addiction and mental health field, but my heart was no longer in it. In 2019, I took a job as a social worker in a dialysis center. I have been able to use my experience to give back to others going through the same thing I went through. To see hope in my patient’s eyes when they get approved for transplant is amazing and when I see my patients get a transplant, it brings tears to my eyes. I love to share my story and have been asked to share our kidney walk.
At the time I was going through all this, I couldn’t see how God could use one of the darkest times in my life for good. I am blessed everyday and I do not take anything for granted.
I praise God for my family and friends who supported me and prayed for me, but I will never be able to thank my sister enough for what she did. On May 16th, I will celebrate my 6 year “kidneyversary!”
