By TRINA RUNNER
News & Journal Staff Writer
March is National Kidney Month and one local family knows all too well the importance of this vital organ. Over 26 million Americans are affected by kidney disease, which often has silent symptoms until the disease progresses. One in three people will develop some sort of kidney dysfunction in their lifetime, usually related to diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history. Checkups are encouraged this month for this vital organ, which filters 200 liters of blood a day and regulates blood pressure.
Twenty-three years ago, Clarksburg resident Julia Jackson lost one of her kidneys to Renal Kidney Failure. Recently, she received the unfortunate news that her remaining kidney is now in acute kidney failure as well. Since December, she has been going to dialysis three times a week for four hours each session while she awaits a donor kidney.
Her identical twin Janet Jackson is not able to donate a kidney, so the family is currently seeking a match for Julia and raising funds in anticipation of the transplant.
“We have been blessed with having the procedure and hospitalization covered, but the hospital stay could last as long as three months and we are raising funds to aid the family during that time. We hope to raise enough to assist with gas, meals, transportation and lodging during the procedure,” said Jackson.
So far, they have held a hot dog sale and a raffle, and they plan to take part in the large yard sale taking place in front of Bridgeport High School on March 26 from 8:00a.m. to noon. They will be selling homemade Easter candy and additional items, with all proceeds going to benefit Julia.
“We have also set up an account for donations at Huntington Bank in Clarksburg. Anyone interested in making a donation can do so under the account of Jullian J. Jackson, notifying the bank personnel that it is intended for Julia’s surgery,” said Jackson.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the local residents,” said Jackson. “With prayer and patience, we know a match will be found soon.”
Additional information can be found on Facebook by searching Match Up A Kidney For Julia or by contacting Janet Jackson on Facebook.
