In 1989, Jenny Mays DeLorenzo, of Roanoke, was diagnosed with Wegener’s granulomatosis. This disease is a rare condition that caused her health to worsen over the years until she was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease in 2010. Doctors say a kidney transplant is critical to her survival.
While awaiting her transplant, Mays DeLorenzo, 41, undergoes regular dialysis treatments at home, which take a toll on her quality of life.
The average kidney transplant costs $250,000. And thats only the beginning. Even though her health insurance will cover the transplant itself, she faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very pricey, and theyre as critical to her survival as the transplant itself
To overcome these financial challenges, Mays DeLorenzo turned to the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps transplant patients raise funds to pay for medical expenses.
“Its difficult to see anyone face a health crisis, but its especially hard for someone like Jenny,” said Claire Prince, NFT fundraising consultant. Shes active and vibrant and wants nothing more than to spend many more years doing the things she loves. At NFT, we want to help Jenny raise the funds she needs to make that dream come true.
Volunteers are holding a dance on Saturday, March 9 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Mountain View Center (old Fishburn Home), 714 13th St. SW in Roanoke. Ticket donations are $35 each or $65 per couple, and heavy hors d’oeuvres are included. There will also be a cash bar, silent auction and entertainment by the William Penn Band and the Smith-Wade Band. For more information, please contact Con Mays at 540-774-3679 or [email protected].
To make a donation in Mays DeLorenzos honor, visit www.transplants.org and select Find an NFT Patient. If you prefer to mail your contribution, please send your gift to the NFT Virginia Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Be sure to write in honor of Jenny Mays DeLorenzoin the subject line.
