WEISER, Idaho – A family in Weiser is hoping for a miracle in the form of a living kidney donor that will save the life of Breanna Nicolini.
Breanna was diagnosed with MPGN3, a very rare and chronic autoimmune kidney disease, in stage 2 in 2016 and has since faced many health obstacles while waiting for a kidney to become available. In 2018, she was in renal failure and has been doing dialysis for 9 hours every night from her home ever since. “Dialysis and kidney failure has ravaged my body from high blood pressure to diabetes and more,” Breanna explained.
Doctors say Breanna needs a new kidney and are searching for a living donor. Like thousands of others, she is on a national registry but finding the right match takes time. She has been on the wait list for 5 years now. “It has changed my life and family’s life drastically,” she shared. As a married mother of three, 38-year-old Breanna has felt the stress of her health problems compiled with the everyday stresses of life.
When asked how the kids handle things, Breanna explained that they constantly worry about their mom. “I’ve had to be gone from them for weeks at a time in the hospital and only get to talk on the phone. They are emotional when it’s brought up.”
“It has put a big strain on my marriage as well as changed our life financially.” Breanna is unable to work a full-time job due to the medical equipment she needs and frequent doctor appointments. “I try to keep myself busy by baking and enjoying my kids and family. But the waiting game for transplant can also be very mentally draining,” she commented. The family is unable to travel very far due to her health.
“I’m O+ but I was informed by the transplant team (at the University of Utah) that I am a hard match due to different antibodies and factors in my blood.” This family is praying for a miracle, hoping that the right person with the perfect blood type will be able to give her the gift of life. Anyone who has O+ or O- blood is able to start the screening process to check for a viable match. Click here to start the screening if you would be willing to donate a kidney: https://healthcare.utah.edu/transplant
Doctors told Breanna that she would likely be on the transplant list for at least 10 years. “So, I’m halfway there. I am also now in a situation where I am no longer qualified for Idaho Medicaid to pay a healthcare premium for the plan that only covers my dialysis. So, I am now having to pay for all of my prescription medication and will have to find a way to pay for a new health plan.” The financial burden has taken a toll on the family. Breanna’s husband does custom tile for Straight Line Tile LLC, but as many know, surviving on one income nowadays is a challenge.
A family member has recently created a GoFundMe Campaign in the hopes of giving the family a little extra financial help while they wait for a kidney donor match. Donations large or small are greatly appreciated as this will help the family through Breanna’s medical challenges while waiting for the right kidney match. Click here to give a donation: https://gofund.me/0f68465f
Another way to help is by sharing social media posts. By sharing the story, we are able to reach more people who could potentially be the right one.
**Article Sponsored by Legends on Main, Weiser, Idaho**
