10/12/2025
Hello, my name is Sharon Haywood, and I am reaching out to share something that is both difficult and hopeful. I believe in the power of our testimonies to overcome challenges.
Here’s some background about myself: I have been a wife for almost 30 years, a mother of three, and also a grandmother. I have worked as a bus operator for MTM Transportation for over 13 years, which is contracted by Cap Metro. In addition to my job, I run a nonprofit organization called Beauty for Ashes Worldwide Outreach Ministries, Inc. Our mission is to provide food and essential items to those without homes, while also sharing the love of Christ.
When funding is available, my ministry provides rental and utility assistance, as well as medication support for the elderly. We also provide tents and blankets during winter for the homeless. In addition, we prepare full-course hot meals once per month. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, we take time away from our families to serve dinner to the unhoused. Moreover, we supply groceries to individual families who are unable to afford holiday meals for their families. This work is my passion, and I take great pride in it because I believe it is my ministry and what God has purposed me to do. Most importantly, I am a minister and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has called me to proclaim His Word, to encourage hearts, and to point people to the saving grace found only in Him. My ministry is rooted in faith, compassion, and the desire to see lives changed for His glory.
In recent years, I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, which has progressed to Stage 5. My doctors have informed me that I need a kidney transplant to live a healthy and fulfilling life, as dialysis is imminent. While dialysis can help compensate for the loss of kidney function, it is only a temporary solution. A transplant would allow me to regain my health, strength, and future. Additionally, if I don’t proceed with a kidney transplant quickly, I will not be able to maintain employment as a bus operator if I have to start dialysis. My prayer is to remain employed because my income is needed for mortgage, utilities, basic living essentials, etc. Also, I can maintain my health benefits and afford the monthly medications, which can exceed $3,000.
The most challenging aspect of this journey is finding a donor. My blood type is O+, and my prayer is to find a suitable match as soon as possible. Unfortunately, my mother has passed away, and my father is on dialysis, so he is unable to donate. Additionally, other immediate family members are either not healthy enough or elderly. Therefore, I need to seek donors outside of my family. The waitlist for a deceased kidney donor can take many years, and sadly, time is not on my side. I am asking if you, or someone you know, might consider becoming a living kidney donor. Living donors can provide the gift of life by donating one of their kidneys, and a person can live a normal life with just one kidney.
I typically keep my personal life private. However, I realize that facing my battle with kidney disease alone is no longer realistic, and I need the support of others. I trust God, knowing that He is a healer, and I will continue to walk by faith throughout this journey.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a living kidney donor and how to be tested to see if you might be a potential match, please contact the Living Donor Coordinator in Temple, Texas at 254-724-8912, or you can complete a confidential questionnaire at livingdonortemple.org to begin the process. All inquiries will be kept completely confidential. If you aren’t a match for me, you could be for someone else in need. Even if you are not a direct match for me, there’s still hope. Through something called a kidney swap or paired exchange, a willing donor can give their kidney to another person in need – and in return, I can receive a compatible kidney from another donor in the program.
This request is difficult for me, but I truly believe there are kind-hearted individuals in the world. We often don’t receive, because we don’t ask. Sharing my story and being vulnerable is the only way to reach the heart of someone who may be willing to take this compassionate step and give the gift of life.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my story, share it, and keep me in your prayers. Your support means more to me than I can express. May God bless and keep you is my heartfelt prayer.
With hope and gratitude,
Sharon Haywood
