MORRIS COUNTY — Jigisha Desai, a 55-year-old woman, in Rockaway, had been grappling with the harsh reality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for two long decades. Her encounter with this relentless condition was entirely by chance, as it was discovered while she underwent surgery for a separate health issue.
CKD brought with it a relentless barrage of symptoms and challenges that would test the limits of Jigisha’s determination. She faced a multitude of health issues, financial hardships, emotional turmoil, and physical limitations, all while shouldering the responsibility of raising her two children and dealing with the loss of her family’s business. In the face of these overwhelming obstacles, Jigisha’s unwavering spirit propelled her forward.
Around the age of 36, chronic arthritis set in, primarily targeting her knees. The pain became excruciating, and the need for a knee replacement became evident. However, her pre-existing kidney disease complicated matters further. Doctors, fearing the impact of painkillers on her already compromised kidneys, advised against surgery. Consequently, Jigisha found herself living with unrelenting pain and enduring extreme fatigue, both of which took a toll not only on her but also on her family.
Determined to delay the relentless progression of CKD, Jigisha embarked on a journey of dietary transformation. She embraced a whole-food, plant-based diet, rigorously avoiding high-sodium, high-protein, high-potassium, and high-phosphorus foods. Her diligent research led her to this dietary shift, driven by the hope of reducing the strain on her kidneys. Indeed, this lifestyle change proved beneficial in slowing down the progression of her condition. However, after two decades of relentless struggle, Jigisha stood at a critical juncture in her life.
Her only chance for a better life now hinged on the prospect of finding a living kidney donor and undergoing a kidney transplant. Jigisha’s pursuit of this lifeline led her to St. Barnabas in Livingston, where Allison Moorman, her transplant coordinator, worked tirelessly to facilitate the process. Jigisha’s blood type was O+, but she held onto hope, knowing that St. Barnabas participated in the paired exchange program, broadening her possibilities.
With unwavering courage, Jigisha appealed to the compassion of those who could make a difference. She earnestly implored potential donors to complete the living donor referral form, specifying their intention to donate to Jigisha Desai. It was a plea for a second chance at life, an opportunity to surmount the adversities that had defined her life for far too long.
In the face of daunting challenges, Jigisha Desai remained resolute, a symbol of the human spirit’s strength and the resilience born from hope. Her journey was far from over, and she clung to the belief that, with the support of compassionate donors, she could triumph over chronic kidney disease. It was a quest to rewrite the narrative of her life with the gift of a life-saving transplant.
She is listed at St. Barnabas in Livingston and her transplant coordinator is Allison Moorman at (973) 322-5082. Her blood type is O+, but it doesn’t matter because St. Barnabas does participate in the paired exchange program. Please fill out the living donor referral form and include the donor for Jigisha Desai.
Click here for more information.
