Has anyone mentioned lately how hard it is to be an adult??? Like seriously, I sometimes just want to crawl back into that 7-year old body and relish in the simplicity of days filled with cartoons, kool-aid, and naps! (Who am I kidding??? I still drink kool-aid everyday! hee…) One thing, though, that seemed MUCH easier as a kid was asking for help. Can’t unscrew a bottle, ask Dad to help. Can’t reach the counter for something, ask Mom to grab it for you. Need a ride to school, ask your parents. Each was expected, and easy to provide. As kids, that was part of how we learned. As adults, however, this seems to be the most difficult thing to do! We are expected to know how to do things for ourselves. We are taught that we need to be independent and to self-provide when necessary. Rarely are we taught that it’s ok to sometimes ask for help, especially when it’s REALLY needed. Unfortunately, sometimes those times when we REALLY need that help are the times we are most embarrassed or too shy to ask for it! Sometimes we fear we’ll be ridiculed for asking, or that there might be a stigma attached to whatever you’re asking help for. Whatever the reason, a lot of adults end up not asking for that assistance and suffer silently. I have to admit that I fall into that latter category at times because I’m just used to doing things on my own, and because, well, I’m stubborn.

I received the awesome news that I’m now actively listed on the transplant list and because I’ve been on dialysis for three years now, I could receive a call for a deceased kidney any day now! My doctors, however, have been pushing me to try and receive a living kidney from a donor since they would last longer. The social worker also shared with me how much my out-of-pocket costs will be this time around (vs my last transplant), and let’s just say that I was numb for a good week trying to let it all soak in. After thinking it over and over, I realized that this meant that I’d need to suck it up and do that thing I’ve been trying so hard not to do. I need to ask for help, and I need to do it publicly. So, instead of rehashing it, I’m just going to cut and paste below what I posted on Facebook. This was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to post. I literally just sat and cried for a good while after doing so because it feels a bit humiliating to have to beg for your life…and the means to pay for part of it, to all of your friends, family and coworkers…basically everyone out there! I’ve always felt that this was MY battle to fight and no one else, and I’m now having to ask others to pitch in. I know there I should not feel bad, however until you’ve been put in this situation, there are no words to describe how this feels. So, here’s my plea. Please help me if you have any means to do so.

“Hello!

I don’t typically post about my personal health/issues, however, today I’m having to put my pride aside and ask my friends/family for help. Most of you already know that my previous kidney transplant has kind of died off and I’m now in need of another kidney. I’ve been on dialysis for the past three years and have just been accepted to the transplant program at Baylor Dallas. My doctors have been telling me to try and locate a living donor (vs. a deceased donor) so that my next kidney could possibly last longer than my previous one did. I have never wanted to make such a request because it is a HUGE ask! However, I realize that I can’t be passive when it comes to trying to save my life (literally, and it feels weird to say that!). So, I have two requests:

1. If you or someone you know would be willing to donate a kidney, please click on the link below and submit your interest. The entire process is entirely anonymous, so I will not be informed unless you want it to be known. There are nurses available who can answer any/all questions or concerns you might have. Please know that whether you do or do not offer, I will love you anyway.

https://www.livingdonordallas.org

2. Since I’ve been unemployed (on disability due to my current situation) and with inflation as it is, the expenses of the surgery this time around are way more than than they were last time. While I do have health insurance, it won’t cover it 100%, and the out-of-pocket expenses are going to blow me away. Again, I’m not good at asking for this type of help, however, if you would be interested in helping donate to my cause, please click on the link below. Any little bit you can offer (even if it’s by adding me to your prayer lists!) is VERY appreciated by not just me, but my family as well!

https://helphopelive.org/campaign/27559

Thank you SOOOO much! This is an extremely humbling experience and I am trying to take every step of this journey with patience and grace as best as possible. Wish me luck, send your prayers and good thoughts, etc. as I’ll need as much as I can get.

P.S. Please, forward this post to anyone you know who might also be able to help.”

Link to donate:

Baylor Dallas – https://www.livingdonordallas.org/

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Things I’m thankful for today:

1. Everyone! I only posted this on FB ONE day ago and I’m absolutely blown away by the people who have already stepped up to help out! Some of my closest friends and family, but also people I don’t even know! People who I haven’t spoken to in YEARS! It takes my breath away to think that I must have made some kind of impact in their life that they would not hesitate to reach out and help with a simple ask! One person pointed out that sometimes you just have to ask to receive. There is so much truth in that statement! May God bless each and every one of you (and them!)