A Kidney For Olga

and in 2009 she contracted the H1N1 virus and never felt like she fully recovered. In 2010, her kidney function dropped to just 11 percent, and doctors now say a kidney transplant is critical to her survival. While awaiting her lifesaving transplant, Olga endures regular dialysis treatments three times a week, which take a toll on her quality of life. Although she is battling a serious illness, Olga has a positive attitude and tries to remain as active as possible. She wants to be a mentor for others who are going through similar situations, and she wants to remain involved in the lives of her three children and grandchild. She looks forward to feeling normal again, but she refuses to let her disease get the best of her. When she is able, she loves spending time with friends and going to the beach. Olga dreams of spending many more years with her family, watching her grandchild grow up. But she needs your help. Unfortunately, Olga’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price. A kidney transplant costs approximately $500,000. And that’s only the beginning. Even with health coverage, she faces considerable medical expenses related to her transplant. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of her post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month—and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. Olga loves her job as a parade coordinator at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and does her best to keep up with her full-time hours. She hopes to continue working as long as possible so she can provide for her family. What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others? The National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve Olga’s growing burden of expenses. NFT has been assisting transplant patients with advocacy and fundraising support for 28 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable NFT to provide Olga with the financial support she desperately needs. P.S. What if Olga were your mother? Your sister? Your friend?