I am a 42 yr old Black woman.

     I have buried five generations of my family including my only sister and one of my children (he passed from SIDS). I have two boys ages 24 and 15. I also have two beautiful nieces that already have no mom due to the same disease that I have (Systemic Lupus).

     I want more than anything to be here for them and their children as the years go on. They don't have the benefit of any family from my side.

     I tried opening a restaurant but due to my health, I had to close before a year was up. I also need my knees and hip replaced, but b/c of the kidney, they won't do the surgery. I haven't made it to dialysis yet and the surgery would put me into it. They are trying to save functions as much as possible.

     I have been on the wait list for just over one year and it's hard to get through the day. I'm only able to survive. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO LIVE. I want to be there for my family and share with them what my parents and even great-grandparents have shared with me.