Kayley Brescia

Kayley Brescia

Transplant Type: Kidney

What if you were living on borrowed time?

Kayley Brescia is awaiting a new lease on life. When she was only two years old, she became ill after eating beef that ended being recalled due to E. coli. The E. coli took a toll on her tiny body and caused her kidneys to shut down. Kayley developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and stage 2 kidney failure. Immediately, she had to begin dialysis treatments to help recover her kidney function. By the age of seven, Kayley had developed high blood pressure and had become completely insulin dependent due to type 1 diabetes. Kayley’s health has been a rollercoaster the past twenty years. While doctors told her that she should not have children, due to her health issues, Kayley was able to give birth to her amazing daughter, Amelia. The birth stressed her kidneys beyond the limit from which they could recover, and doctors say a kidney and pancreas transplant is critical to her survival. Kayley must continue to endure regular dialysis treatments until a new kidney is found.

This has been a difficult time for Kayley, as she is not able to be as active as she once was.  She is extremely grateful for the love and support of Amelia, family, and friends, who have been by her side every step of the way. Before her health began to decline, Kayley enjoyed traveling, camping, swimming, and going on adventures with her family, but these days, her activities are extremely limited. She looks forward to the transplant that will allow her to live life with as few limitations as possible, and to watch Amelia grow up, but right now, she needs your help.

Unfortunately, Kayley’s hope for a new life comes at a very high price.

The average kidney and pancreas transplant costs approximately $713,000. And that is only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover a portion of the transplant costs, she still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and anti-rejection medications. Post-transplant medications are very expensive, and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.

Kayley must travel more than 60 miles to reach her transplant center for evaluations and doctors’ appointments. When she receives her transplant, Kayley and her caregiver will need to stay near the hospital during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, adding to the financial strain.

What if your life depended on the compassion and generosity of others?

The National Foundation for Transplants is working with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the growing burden of expenses for Kayley. The National Foundation for Transplants has been assisting transplant patients with fundraising support for more than 35 years. Your gift—of $25, $50, $100 or more—will enable The National Foundation for Transplants to provide Kayley with the financial support she desperately needs.

You can help in the following ways:

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125. Please be sure to write "in honor of Kayley Brescia” in the memo line.

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.

Many Thanks!

P.S. Want to help Kayley even more? Ask your company if they will match your gift!