12/31/2025
I never imagined I would be here, writing something like this.
Asking for help does not come naturally to me. In fact, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I used to be fiercely independent—working, managing my life, my home, my responsibilities. Now, my life looks completely different, and accepting that has been emotionally devastating.
I am living with Stage 4 Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a progressive, incurable genetic disease. My kidneys are failing. I currently have only 16% overall kidney function, and end-stage renal failure begins at 15%. I am right on that edge. Dialysis or a kidney transplant is not a distant possibility—it is approaching rapidly.
Because of this disease, I am no longer able to work. The physical limitations alone are overwhelming: chronic pain, extreme fatigue, frequent nausea, dizziness, brain fog, swelling, and the constant need to use the bathroom. There are days when simply getting out of bed feels impossible. The pain and exhaustion are relentless, unpredictable, and disabling.
But the physical toll is only part of the story.
This disease has deeply impacted my mental health as well. Living with a failing kidneys, knowing my body is actively shutting down, has caused severe anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and PTSD. The constant medical appointments, hospital visits, test results, and fear of what comes next take an enormous emotional toll. These conditions significantly worsen my ability to maintain any form of gainful employment and make daily functioning incredibly difficult.
Even with health insurance, not everything is covered—and the costs are staggering.
I currently take 18 prescription medications every single day due to many ailments this disease causes such as several mental health medications for depression, anxiety and panic attacks, Intestinal and digestive medications (GERD, IBS and gastritis), chronic pain medications (tramadol, hydromorphone and gabapentin), medications due to increased levels of thyroid and cholesterol, lower red blood cell count due to anemia, higher uric acid levels leading to gout, restless leg syndrome caused by kidney decline, low blood sugar/ glucose levels making me hypoglycemic, along with several prescriptions for vitamin deficiency due to my kidneys not producing enough (vitamin D3, calcium, vitamin B6 and B12 and iron).I'll eventually need to switch to monthly injections if my red blood cell count goes lower. Many of these medications come with monthly out-of-pocket costs. I also require frequent blood draws, ER visits, and repeated antibiotic treatments due to infections that PKD patients are prone to. I undergo extensive imaging, including MRIs of my kidneys and abdomen, as well as MRAs of my brain to monitor for aneurysms, which are alarmingly common in PKD patients.
To improve my chances of survival, I need to be multi-listed at multiple transplant hospitals. Being listed at more than one center significantly increases the likelihood of receiving a deceased donor kidney. Unfortunately, my insurance will only cover one transplant center’s evaluation and testing. Any additional transplant hospital testing is entirely my financial responsibility, which has caused immense stress and anxiety.
The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida, where I currently receive transplant-related care, is 5–6 hours away from my home. Each trip is exhausting and painful, requiring frequent stops due to chronic pain and bathroom urgency. Travel expenses alone—gas, food, lodging when necessary—add up quickly.
In January, I hope to pursue evaluation at Tampa General Hospital as well simply because it is significantly closer to my home (about 1.5 hours away). My insurance previously dropped them putting them out-of-network. But, starting in January, they will finally be in-network again, allowing me to be referred—but that evaluation will still come with additional expenses that we simply are not prepared for.
Because I cannot work, my husband is our only source of income. I am completely dependent on him—not only financially, but physically. He helps me with everyday tasks I can no longer manage on my own. Everything from household chores to basic daily activities now requires help. Losing my independence has been heartbreaking.
I am also deeply dependent on my 76-year-old father, who drives me to local medical appointments and makes the long trips to Jacksonville whenever updated testing is required that cannot be done locally. My husband cannot take time off during the week, so my father steps in without hesitation. My mother, who moved to Florida permanently last year, helps as well. It truly takes a village to keep me going—and I am endlessly grateful for them.
I am currently getting re-evaluated for social security disability, which could take years for a decision. I have Morgan and Morgan as legal representation in case I get denied.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the prayers, loving messages, and phone calls I receive. They mean more to me than words can express. But prayers alone cannot cover medical bills, travel costs, medications, and transplant evaluations.
That is why I am asking for financial help.
I am embarrassed to ask. I hate that my health has declined to this point. I hate that I’ve gone from being independent to being dependent on everyone around me. But the reality is that this disease has taken my ability to provide for myself, and without help, the financial burden is becoming unbearable.
If you already donated previously we appreciate your support. For those that are able to donate, share, or even just read my story, please know it means everything to me. Your support—financial or emotional—helps relieve a weight that I carry every single day.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with me during the most difficult chapter of my life.
💚 GoFundMe Link:
https://gofund.me/b2827f1d
Every share, every dollar, every prayer truly makes a difference.
Hello, my name is Marissa Lisowski. I am 44 years old and live … Marissa Lisowski needs your support for Support Marissa Lisowski's Kidney Transplant Journey
