As many of you know Jill has dealt with FSGS or Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis for some time. This is a type of kidney disease which scar tissue forms in the part of the kidneys that is supposed to filter out waste from the blood. Because her kidneys aren’t able to do that for her, this has caused her kidney failure and unfortunately causing her complications and not feeling well; tired, itchy, nausea, back pain, etc.

To fill you in, Jill had surgery for an Arteriovenous Fistula or AV Fistula (dialysis access incase dialysis was needed prior to waiting for a kidney transplant). As I’m sure many of you have heard, at the post surgery follow-up appointment it was apparent that there was no blood flow which means the fistula didn’t take and can’t be used for dialysis. Going through something like this and finding out the surgery was for nothing was very discouraging. Since then, Jill has been seeing her Nephrologist to monitor her labs and symptoms of kidney failure in hopes that she is able to keep her kidney function labs on a steady line so that an emergent dialysis is not needed.

Jill has been also following UW-Madison transplant team, in which she learned she is a perfect candidate to receive a living kidney from a donor. Jill is extremely lucky and blessed to have so many friends and family members express they have filled out the donor form and is willing to give a piece of themselves so that she is able to live a better life. It is so awesome to see the amount of love and support that has been brought to Jill during this difficult time. The phone calls, texts, cards, hugs and gifts are all appreciated more than you will ever know.

As of now, we are awaiting on potential donor testing. UW-Madison takes one individual at a time for testing to make sure the donor is healthy enough to donate. We are hoping to have a plan set in place for transplant within the next couple of months. We will keep you updated and feel free to write words of encouragement on this page.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. As a family, we cannot express how thankful she is for all of you. You are her village.

Many of you are asking about the possibilities of being a donor yourself or how there are other ways you can help, please visit UWHealth.org/CanIBeADonor if you would like more information.