In Support of Charlie's Kidney Transplant

On September 10 of this year, my 9 year old son, Charlie, is scheduled to recieve the kidney transplant he has been waiting and hoping for. Charlie was born with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney disease. (ARPKD)-A genetic condition that affects your kidneys- resulting in transplant within the early years of life.  And we recently received the news we have been praying for- Charlie has been matched with a kidney!

Which is why I am creating this fundraiser-I am Charlie's mom, and his only parent. He also has two siblings at home with him. My children are 16, 13, and 9. We have been navigating kidney disease and chronic illness our whole lives. 

I work full time for Cuyahoga County DCFS, and I am incredibly grateful for my career and the opportunity to serve the children and families of my community, but I am also the sole provider for my children, and a kidney transplant is not a simple surgery. We anticipate being in the hospital for some time, and when we come home, there is a significant period of recovery, appointments, lab draws, medication management and close monitoring to ensure Charlie is healing, and his new kidney is working well. 

I created this link to assist with expenses, meals, and in person support while I am away from my job on unpaid leave, to maintain without falling behind, and to ensure I am able to care and be fully present for my son, as *Charlie's mom*. The most important title I have ever had. 

Any money raised will help replace lost income during my time away from work, and help cover the increased cost that come with Charlie's transplant and recovery. It will allow me to focus on what matters most: Keeping Charlie safe, getting him through this surgery, bringing him home and maintaining care for all three of my children. 

If you know us--You know we have been through the ringer--But we never stop showing up. So as we approach his surgery date, I am humbly asking family, friends and community that feel moved to help us get through to this next chapter. 

If you are able to donate. Share a meal. Or provide some in person support-THANK YOU-if not, sharing, praying and sending good wishes are just as meaningful.