According to a well-known credit card commercial, some things in life are "priceless." But life itself has a price tag for one Thomson woman.
Geraldine Morris is a kidney transplant candidate at Medical College of Georgia. She needs to save $11,600 before she can be made active on the transplant list. According to a letter from MCG, this money will be used to help pay for the necessary immunosuppressant medications and other expenses for the first six months after her transplant.
Ms. Morris is in renal failure as a result of diabetes and hypertension and has been going through four hours of dialysis three times every week since March.
"Basically, I just look at it as my lifeline. So I always go in with a smile," Ms. Morris said.
She feels well, but the time spent in dialysis has taken away from her love of traveling and baking. She also had to slow down her activities at Vanderhorst CME Church and the Masonic lodge.
The longer she goes without a healthy kidney, the more likely other parts of her body will be affected, Ms. Morris said.
"I definitely need a kidney transplant," she said in a fundraiser request letter. "It is overwhelming to understand the restrictive cost to cure/minimize the progression of this illness."
Fundraising efforts began last week with a lunch at a friend's home.
"It went great, we sold out," Ms. Morris said.
A costume party, dance and raffle will be held at the Thomson Depot at 7 p.m. on Halloween to support Ms. Morris.
Ms. Morris also needs donations of items to be raffled during the dance.
"I know (most people) are involved with other community outreach programs, but I do need various items to ensure the success of this project," Ms. Morris said.
To donate an item, call Diane Landers at City Hall, (706) 595-1781.
Donations to Ms. Morris' fund will be matched dollar per dollar by the Georgia Transplant Foundation up to $10,000.
"Please help support Geraldine in her mission to raise the funds that will bring her a step closer to a transplant and a step closer to fulfilling her dream of living a longer, healthier life," said Ada Brownson, the financial coordinator for the MCG transplant program. Donations can be mailed to Geraldine Morris Transplant Fund, P.O. Box 12, Thomson, GA 30824.
IF YOU GO
What: Costume Party and Benefit Dance
When: 7 p.m. until midnight, Saturday, Oct. 31
Where: Thomson Depot
Admission: $10
Tickets: Call Geraldine Morris, (706) 843-9456
