Well, I’ve got some incredible news…I’m getting a kidney!!!! I actually found out a few weeks ago, but a part of me was not able to process this news as real until I heard from my coordinator. Although, even after hearing from the coordinator, and even having gone through the pre-op process, I’m still not registering that I’m actually getting a kidney! The incredible person behind this generous donation is my sister’s friend, Glenn! He and his wife called to tell me that he had been approved as a donor and my mom and I just cried. I’m so excited and so full of hope that I’ll finally get my normal life back! I don’t think he and his wife fully grasp how much this one thing will change my life, but this is HUGE! I will finally be able to work again, travel again, pee again…hee… no more dialysis, no more weakness, no more social isolation, I could go on, but you get the picture. I thank you, Glenn, from the bottom of my heart for this gift you are giving me. There are not enough words to express what this means to me!

A very cool part of this is that it’s going to happen in a week! Literally five days from now! It’s all happening very quickly. EEEEK!!! I’m in the process of preparing for it now, stocking up on food to bring (since hospitals SUCK at providing decent GF options), getting my “overnight” bag ready, etc. It’s almost like packing up for a big vacation, even though it will be FAR from a vacation. LOL!

Here’s the shitty part, when I went in for my pre-op, I let them know that I’ve been dealing a bit with a cold (stuffy nose, sneezing, etc.), so they decided to do a nose swab just to be on the safe side, and the results came back that I had COVID!! WHAT?? I’ve been SOOOO careful about trying not to get it, and up until now, I’ve been Covid-free! Sigh… so, I’m I’ve been in isolation from everyone to prevent passing it on to my family and friends. At least it hasn’t been super traumatizing in that it feels pretty mild compared to the horror stories we’ve all heard – thanks to my staying vigilant with boosters every year. It could be worse! I’m going to be tested again in a few days to see if it’s gone, and hopefully it doesn’t delay the surgery on Friday!

Another big announcement – since I posted about needing help, you guys have helped me raise more than half of my goal! That is simply amazing! I (and my family) have been able to breathe easier knowing that I’m going to be able to pay off some of the impending expenses coming our way! I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again…I have an amazing support system of friends and family that have consistently and lovingly always had my back, and I thank you GREATLY for everything you do!

And so, the countdown begins…five more days! It’s happening!!!

Links to donate:

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

For Financial – Help Hope Live – https://helphopelive.org/campaign/27559

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Things I’m thankful for today:

1. It goes without saying that I’m extremely thankful for Glenn and his incredible generosity for giving me one of his kidneys! Thank you so so soooo much! As I said above, you have no idea the gift you are giving me and my family. You are truly an angel.

2. Everyone who helped donate financially. I’ve reached out to each of you individually to let you know how much YOUR generosity has meant to me. These gifts have also made a huge impact on me and my family in ways beyond the bank. Thank you!

3. Netflix – they have a pretty good selection of shows right now, which really helps out when stuck in isolation for days with nothing to do!

4. Mia’s (the inevitable food item) – when having to run downtown to Baylor so often, it helps to have some amazing food to make the trip double worth-while! 😀