Courtney Janel Fields

Courtney Fields

Transplant Type - Kidney

During her sophomore year of high school, Courtney had to stop running track because of pains in her legs, and she began to notice swelling in her knees the following year. The pains and swelling became even worse during her senior year after a trip with her marching band to perform during Mardi Gras. Shortly after returning from the trip, her muscles were so stiff that she couldn’t even get herself ready for school in the mornings without the help of her mother. After numerous doctors’ visits and tests, Courtney was diagnosed with systemic lupus, which also afflicts several family members.

Her nephrologist prescribed medications that would help control the flare ups of swelling and pain, and he was very open with her about the possibility of kidney issues in the future as a result of lupus. In February of 2009, a kidney biopsy revealed a decrease in kidney function, and later that year she was hospitalized with the H1N1 swine flu. During this hospitalization, she was treated for pneumonia and kidney failure; she also began dialysis treatments for the first time. With God’s tender love and favor, round-the-clock medical care and the prayers of so many loved ones, she recovered from the virus. She has still been battling lupus flare ups and a decrease in kidney function, and doctors now say a kidney transplant is necessary.

Although this has been a difficult journey, Courtney has made it through every tough day with the steadfast love and support of her wonderful family and close friends. She is an instructional teaching assistant at an elementary school, and her principal and co-workers have been so considerate and supportive about her condition. She looks forward to life post-transplant, as she’ll no longer have to worry about going to bed being hooked up to a dialysis machine. She can’t wait to feel normal again and have more energy to live life to its fullest potential. But right now, she needs your help.

The average kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. And that’s only the beginning. Even with health coverage, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, 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, which are as critical to her survival as the transplant.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Courtney. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT North Carolina Transplant Fund, 3249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Courtney Fields" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Duke University Medical Center