10/03/2021
Angela needs an angel! Her story begins with being diagnosed as a juvenile diabetic at age 12 . As the years progressed Angela developed kidney failure and underwent dialysis treatments until she received a kidney and pancreas transplant in 1993. The transplant changed her life and gave her new independence and freedom to live life as normally as she could given her circumstances. The kidney produced for approximately 23 years and then Angela had to be placed back on dialysis. In 2017 Angela underwent another kidney transplant. Once again, there were no words to express just how grateful she was to not have to endure the grueling dialysis treatments and her freedom to be able to live more normally returned again. In November 2020, Angela was told her kidney had stopped producing and she was placed back on dialysis again. She currently goes three times weekly. The treatments are very hard on her body not to mention how it interferes with daily living. She is unable to travel and the treatments leave her feeling drained and weak. Fortunately Angela is able to work on her days off from dialysis. She is grateful to be able to continue working at the family business . The interaction with people continues to supply her strong will to keep pushing and believing better days are ahead.
I am Angela’s sister and I have witnessed her entire journey . She is by far one of the strongest and bravest individuals I have ever known despite her petite stature. Small but mighty! She has climbed every mountain victoriously and faced every obstacle in her path with an unwavering, unflappable spirit and a deep abiding faith. One could not write what Angela has had to endure throughout her childhood and adult life. The physical pain and mental anguish and anxiety have , at times, tried to win the fight . Angela is truly a soldier and has fought never to let that happen . We , her family and friends, are holding hands and standing together with her in this fight. We know the difference a kidney transplant can make in one’s life as we have seen it with our very own eyes and hearts. We wish for Angela to receive the gift of life from a living donor as her quality of life would dramatically change . Angela , unfortunately , is not able to be placed on a waiting list due to her past medical history; therefore her only option is to receive from a living donor. Our prayer is for Angela to experience a life without dialysis. A life without confinement. A life filled with joy. She so deserves to feel joy. Angela, her family, friends, and co workers would be filled with overwhelming gratitude should a potential donor became possible for her. If you , or anyone you know, may be interested in pursuing testing for a possible match for Angela, please contact the Transplant Office at Duke University Medical Center 919 613- 7777. We, the Bullock Family , thank you for taking time to hear our plea and prayer.
Laura Bullock Finley
