My name is Kristy Mills. I am a 44-year-old mom to Abby. My journey began in 2022 with a biopsy of my kidney, telling the doctors that my diabetes was affecting my kidney function. In November of 2022, I had open heart surgery. During that time my renal function was slowly decreasing.
Fast forwarding to February of 2026, I was told I needed to be sent for an evaluation to have a kidney transplant as my function had hit 19%. I went to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, for my evaluation and during that time, learned that my function went back up to 24%.
My whole diet has changed and so has my lifestyle. I get through all of this by keeping my focus on my faith and by talking to my huge support group. Unfortunately, my family is unable to donate because most of them are diabetics, or they didn’t qualify for other reasons.
My daughter’s journey to transplant began when I was 19-weeks pregnant and found out she only had one kidney. She was born with stage 3 kidney failure with bilateral hydronephrosis. Her only kidney is shaped like a snake inside her. Though she is 13 now, she has also since been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, VACTERL syndrome and tethered cord syndrome. She is a bright little girl and very sassy to boot.
A transplant for me first would be amazing. I am more critical than she is at this stage. she is still in stage 3b. Getting my transplant first and surviving would show her that she can do the same thing and survive. Both of us are currently waiting to find our perfect kidney match, and we know they are out there somewhere. We just have to find them.
