Jessica Keegan, once a thriving three-star athlete, now finds herself in a desperate battle for survival, a stark transformation that began at merely 15 years old. During a routine blood test, she received life-altering news: she was in kidney failure. Immediately, she was placed on the transplant list, but finding a compatible donor proved daunting. Astonishingly, only 2% of potential donors are a match for her condition, but hope arrived in July 2011 when Jessica finally underwent a successful kidney transplant.
Tragically, Jessica’s prospects took a devastating turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contracting the virus on two separate occasions irreparably damaged her transplanted kidney, throwing her back into the grip of medical uncertainty. Today, she endures daily dialysis treatments, a tenuous lifeline as she enters stage five of kidney failure, illustrating the critical urgency of securing a second transplant.
Jessica’s plight has energized her family and community into action. They have launched a compelling awareness campaign, “kidney for Jess,” spanning the length of the seacoast. This campaign not only highlights Jessica’s need for a new kidney but also emphasizes the broader significance of organ donation. The initiative aims to find that elusive match among the 2% who can provide a life-saving organ.
The stakes are painfully high for Jessica, as each day on dialysis brings uncertainty. Her story underscores the dire need for increased awareness and participation in organ donation programs. The search for a compatible kidney donor continues, a race against time to rediscover the wellness and vitality that once defined Jessica’s youth and ambition. Amidst these efforts, her community remains hopeful, determined to find the one person capable of granting Jessica a second chance at a healthy life.
