Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
In 2013, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus and found out I needed a kidney transplant. Luckily, my aunt was a match and donated hers.
The disease and treatment medications wreaked havoc on multiple systems in my body.
After finding out my bone marrow was unable to do its job any longer, plasma treatments and donations became my life line. I continue to receive transfusions at the hospital.
Today I'm working as a Surgical Technician at a Veterinary Hospital and love my job. My service dog saves lives by serving as a blood donor for other dogs that need transfusions. I feel hopeful and thankful. Now I have the true opportunity to lead a more normal life.