Fundraiser by Janice Mitchell Isbell : Janice’s Transplant Med Expns Fund

My JOURNEY TO NEEDING A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT!
In 1975 I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.  
I have had many ups and downs with this disease.  
Lupus affects the connective tissue in the body and sometimes organs.  
In my case, I was diagnosed with Lupus Kidney Disease in 1989.   
In 2001 I had a full hysterectomy an d appendectomy.
In 2007 I had right foot bunion and knee surgery.  
In 2009 I had a colon resection for colon cancer.   
In 2010 I had a fistula installed in my left upper arm in preparation for dialysis.  
In 2011 I had a hernia repaired in my lower left abdomen.
In 2012 I started dialysis.  
In 2013 I had my aorta heart valve replaced.  I also had my gall bladder removed.
I share all of this to give information of what I have gone through as a Lupus patient.
For more information on LUPUS: http://www.lupus.org 

I retired in 2014 because of health issues.  I walk with a smile on my face because of the love of my Lord!  Living this long is remarkable.  Thank you Jesus.  
I'm on the Transplant List at University of Alabama - Birmingham & Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN.

Through all this I have been able to pay for my medical expenses.  Now that I am retired, the costs are rising and becoming prohibitive.  I am currently taking 14 medications.  The more the kidneys fail, you need another pill for something else.  Like other Lupus and Dialysis patients I have tried natural remedies, and different diets.   I am allergic to 15 medications and chocolate.  Go figure.  

Also, now that I have been dialyzing for 5 years it is also time for me to raise money for life during and after transplant.  
*Medical costs include:
Insurance deductibles
Insurance co-pays
Pre-transplant evaluation and testing
Fees for surgeons, physicians, radiologist, anesthesiologist and lab tests
Fees for the recovery of the organ from the donor
Surgery
Follow-up care and testing
Additional hospital stays for complications
Anti-rejection and other drugs, which can easily exceed $2,500 per month
Rehabilitation
*Non-medical costs could include:
Food, lodging and long distance phone calls for you and your family
Transportation, to and from your transplant center, before and after your transplant
Plane travel to get to your transplant hospital quickly
Lost wages if your employer does not pay for the time you or a family member spends away from work
Lodging close to the center before and after surgery. 
For more information on projected costs:   http://health.costhelper.com/kidney-transplant.html 

Cost of a kidney transplant. https://www.youcaring.com/blog/2015/cost-of-a-kidney-transplant 

I did not start this go fund me account until I was on list 5 years.  I'm now receiving exams in case a kidney becomes available and I want to be ready for life during and after the transplant. 

These funds would tremendously help with my medical expenses.

I know some may be unable to donate.  I am asking for your help with scheduling and setting up fundraisers.   You may also purchased CVS gift cards and mail to 17811 SEVEN MILE POST RD, ATHENS AL 35611.  Any help you can give would be most appreciated.

*****If you would like to be tested as a live donor, if not for me, maybe for someone else.
My blood type is O+.
Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN.
https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/transplant/50306 
University of Alabama - Birmingham. 
https://www.uabmedicine.org/patient-care/treatments/living-donor-navigator-program



I will post updates on a regular basis to inform each of you of my journey.
https://www.gofundme.com/Share4Janice

JMI HIS SERVANT