Gretchen Coleman-Thomas

Gretchen Coleman-Thomas

Transplant Type: Kidney

Update: We are thrilled to report that Gretchen received a kidney transaplant in March 2018!

Gretchen Coleman-Thomas is awaiting a new lease on life. Gretchen was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in 1970.  PKD is a genetic disease that affects many people in Gretchen’s family, and her family is very concerned for Gretchen. She began dialysis in 2012, and doctors say a kidney transplant is critical.

Gretchen looks forward to freedom from dialysis and feeling better after receiving a transplant. She used to enjoy swimming, and she loved her work as a wedding and event planner, but these activities are all very limited these days.  She’s ready to get back to living a full life, but right now, she needs your help.

The average kidney transplant costs approximately $442,000. Even with health insurance, which will cover the cost of the transplant, she still faces significant medical expenses related to the surgery. She will need a lifetime of follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. These medications are very costly, and they’re as important to her survival as the transplant itself.

Gretchen lives year-round on Martha’s Vineyard.  She will have to take a ferry to the mainland then travel 87 miles to get to her transplant center, and she will have to stay with friends on the mainland post-transplant as she recovers.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Gretchen. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the Massachusetts Transplant Fund, 249 W. Sarazens Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Gretchen Coleman-Thomas” on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Massachusetts General