My name is Nadia Gaillard-Weekes, I am from the island of St Lucia in the Caribbean and I am 38 years of age. At the age of 27 I lost my kidney function. After numerous blood tests I was diagnosed with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis – which is characterised by a rapid loss of renal function usually a 50% decline in the glomeruli filtration rate within three months. I have been on dialysis for the past 9 years and have also developed extensive osteoporosis, anaemia and diminished eyesight. My mom was also diagnosed with this illness but unfortunately lost her battle and succumbed to it.

For people who are not from St Lucia: Healthcare runs a little differently than in say the UK. There is no donor list for kidneys; in fact there is not even a facility for kidney transplants, and you have to pay for dialysis. It has been a financial struggle maintaining dialysis treatments and purchasing medication, and this has depleted all my resources.

I am now getting the opportunity to have a kidney transplant operation in Antigua completed by an American doctor, and my 18 year old daughter has graciously volunteered to be my donor. This is the operation that is supported by my healthcare insurance and they are paying for half of my operation and treatment. My half of the cost of the operation will be USD $50,000 and the estimate for my payment of the anti-rejection drugs and after care is a further USD 30,000.

I have been advised that for this operation to have the best chance of being successful it should be completed this summer. This would reverse all my symptoms and I could live a normal life.

I am asking for you to give generously to this cause as I strive to regain my health. Please help me to realise my dream and go on to live and enjoy a rich, fulfilling life.

Nadia x

*If thanks to your generous donations we over reach the target amount then extra money will help support ongoing treatment in the coming years. Any money not required for treatment we will donate to my local renal unit that has supported myself and my late mother with dedicated love and care.