Jacob’s Kidney Journey

Hi family and friends

As some of you may know I was born with chronic kidney disease [CKD]. I have one kidney that is nonexistent anymore and one that is small and displaced.

Because of the Covid-19 Pandemics I was told my nephrologist wasn’t seeing patients for the time being. We didn’t see my doctor for a little over a year. He did provide prescriptions and medication when needed. At the beginning of pandemic my Generic Kidney Function Rate [GFR] between 22% and 19%. So I didn’t worry much about it.

In January 2021 I had Covid-19 myself.
My symptoms were very mild, so I didn’t think it would do much Damage. When we returned to Doctor in April 2021 my GFR was down to 16%. The virus had done a little more damage then I thought

My GFR continued to decline over 21 & 22.
In may of 22 my GFR was down to 5%. So I started dialysis on May 25 of 2022. I’ve been feeling a lot better since I started. It’s going as best it can.

The worst problems with the dialysis is it is mentally and physically exhausting on me. My best and only option to come off the Dialysis is a kidney transplant. I am on an active list for a transplant At UAB In Birmingham, and also got tested at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. The best and shortest option would be for me to find a living donor.

This process will be a lot on me and My Mom, so we need a lot of prayer and help as we navigate through this journey. These are a few ways you all could help us in the future.
• PRAYER
• helping us with fundraising opportunities
• Transportation to and from Dialysis clinic
• Prayerfully considering to begin the process to become an organ donor
• If you are an organ Donor prayerfully considering getting tested for being a match for me.
I hope everyone will consider helping In anyway possible. Please direct message me or my mom Cindy Stephens, if you have any questions

Jacob Stephens