Due to the lupus and high blood pressure, Jennifer’s damaged kidneys ultimately led to kidney failure.  Chemotherapy treatments weren’t working and doctors were uncertain how to treat Jennifer with all her disorders.  “I was on about 31 medications at the time…no one knew what to do.”
In June of 2007, Jennifer met Dr. Philip Tuso.  After reading her test results, she began dialysis.  “On June 19, I went to the hospital and they inserted a chest catheter so I could start dialysis. My mother slept in my room  to make sure I was okay.” Jennifer continues, “It wasn’t comfortable and  I couldn’t breathe very well.” Shortly after, the nurses had put a call to Dr. Tuso.  After a series of x-rays, there was only a quarter inch left of Jennifer’s lungs that were functioning. “They ‘lost’ me twice on the table.”
While in ICU, the doctors prepared Jennifer’s family for her death.  “Two at a time they came in to say goodbye to me, but I wasn’t ready.  I thought to myself, ‘I’ll make it, and I’ll show everyone.  I always have that fighting attitude.’”
And fight…she did.  After winning the battle in 2007, Jennifer was placed on the National Kidney Transplant Database.  Unbeknownst to anyone, her twin went to get tested to see if she was a match.  In December 2012, it turned out Julie was a six out of six match.  Medically speaking, it doesn’t get any more perfect than that.
“I didn’t tell anyone I was going to get tested,” states Julie.  “But when I got the news, I couldn’t believe it.”  After a year of additional tests, Julie and Jennifer were given the final clearance to go ahead with the surgery.
On December 6, 2013, “The Kidney Bean Twins” a nickname given to Jennifer and Julie, underwent a kidney transplant.     After 7 ½ hours of surgery, the transplant was complete, and successful.
Just weeks after surgery, Jennifer and Julie are doing very well.  “She is my sister, and I did it out of love,” states Julie.  “I am so happy I was able to help.  It’s as if my sister has a new lease on life.”
To learn more about The Kidney Beans or to donate to The Kidney Bean fundraiser, visit http://gfwd.at/1bHkKmD.