Mary Whittleton

Mary Whittleton

Transplant Type: Kidney

Mary Whittleton is awaiting a new lease on life. In 2004, she was first diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis, an autoimmune disease. At that time, it resulted in major damage to her lungs and a slight impact on her kidneys. In 2018, she had another flare up, but this time it resulted in kidney failure. Mary now faces end-stage renal disease. She has been on dialysis since 2018, which takes a toll on her quality of life and leaves her very tired. Doctors say a kidney transplant is critical.

It has been a stressful few years for Mary and her family. Her diagnosis came in 2018, and her daughter, Amanda got married that same year. Just a few months after Amanda’s wedding, Mary’s husband of 33 years lost his battle with cancer. Dealing with illness, hospitalizations, and wedding planning was challenging, but Mary is thankful for the love and support of her family and friends. She was recently blessed with her first grandchild, Wyatt. Mary and her family continue to carry on and pray for happier and healthier days.

Mary enjoys spending time with her family, baking, cooking, reading, and caring for her dog and kittens. Although her health sometimes limits her activities, she takes each day as it comes and is very thankful for the small things life has to offer. She looks forward to receiving a transplant that will free her from dialysis and give her back her energy. Mary wants nothing more than to be healthy so she can enjoy life with her daughter and son-in-law, watch her grandson grow up, return to work as an RN, and go on an Alaskan cruise. But right now, she needs your help.

The average kidney transplant costs more than $414,000, and that’s only the beginning. Even with insurance, which will cover the transplant costs, Mary 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’re as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. Mary had to stop working as an RN due to her health, further adding to her financial burdens.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Transplant Center: University of Michigan Medical Center