Young woman desperate for kidney transplant

Twenty-six-year-old Shanna-Kay Walker loves life and like most mothers, one of her greatest wishes is to watch her three-year-old daughter Kadesha grow into adulthood.

But in order to do that, the Penlyne Castle, St Thomas native needs to undergo a kidney transplant. Walker said that in 2019, when she was pregnant with Kadesha, doctors had told her that she was suffering from proteinuria, which is a high level of protein in the urine. The condition can be a sign of kidney problems.

"After I have baby, I started to follow up the doctor, then he referred me to a kidney specialist. By this time, I was having short of breath, nausea and weight loss. I then join the clinic at UHWI (University Hospital of the West Indies). They began monitoring me and did a series of blood tests," she said. Last July, Walker's worst fears were confirmed by doctors; she had kidney failure. These days, she does not have much energy as a result of her ailment and is unable to work.

"I love my daughter and I want to be there for her in every way, but I have kidney failure. My greatest wish is for this condition to leave my body so I can have a better life," she said.

The young mother has to travel twice weekly into Kingston for dialysis and, in addition, needs at least $5 million for a kidney transplant. She is also yet to find a donor, but is earnestly praying that one will show up soon.

"It has been rough financially. I have to come in town twice a week, and it's $12,000 for each session and another $3,000 for bus fare. I would like to do a transplant ... I have someone in mind, but it is still not concrete. I would like to do the surgery as quickly as possible, so my life can get normal again. I am not working now, but my family assists me with food and so on," she said.

An online campaign being undertaken on the crowdfunding platform, RealHelpinghands, has set a target of raising US$34,000 (approximately J$5.3 million) to help Walker. To date, the campaign that is titled 'Help Shanna Kay to Receive a Kidney has been raised US$583 (approximately J$90,900) via the platform.

Walker is making a passionate appeal for help.

"Please, I am just asking anyone who can contribute to assist me, please. I want a good life for myself and family. I am really appreciative of whatever anyone can offer," she said.

Persons wishing to assist Shanna-Kay Walker may contact her at 876-406-0365, or Alex Smith at 876-298-4364.

Donations may be made via RealHelpinghands at: https://realhelpinghands.com/campaign/help-shanna-kay-to-receive-a-kidney/