Help Cheryl Filippone’s story reach someone new.
My name is Cheryl Filippone, I am 41 years old and reside in southern New Jersey. At the age of 20, while working for a roofer and pursuing a major in English at Rutgers, I woke up one morning with 50 pounds of fluid on me. I was in acute renal failure, with only 7% function. Two hours before I was supposed to receive my first dialysis treatment, my nephrologist came into the room and said my function was returning. The prednisone was working! For the following 15 years, my “normal” kidney function was 40%. In the fall of 2019, I developed cataracts and a detached retina from the steroids, and immediately discontinued the treatment. By February, of 2020, I was again, in full blown failure with 12% function between both kidneys. By this time, I was in my thirties, a member, delegate, and electoral board member of my union, Local 277. I tried my damndest to stay working, but between all of the surgeries for different ports (chest and arm), daily doctors appointments, and dialysis, I sadly had to resign from my union. The hardship of not making a good wage, along with figuring out healthcare, I was forced to give up my home, my career, and my goals.
I have been unemployed and on dialysis for close to 6 years now. I have survived multiple strokes, as well as open heart surgery. It has definitely been a struggle, but my spirits are always high, and I am thankful for the amazing support system I have between my family and friends.
Information on how to become Cheryl’s Living Kidney Donor Hero to Follow
Life in pictures